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Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

europe express travel insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance »

europe express travel insurance

Travelex Insurance Services »

europe express travel insurance

Generali Global Assistance »

europe express travel insurance

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

  • Allianz Travel Insurance
  • Travelex Insurance Services

You almost certainly will want travel insurance for Europe, mostly because the high cost for international trips is worth protecting against travel delays and trip cancellations. Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need travel health insurance at a bare minimum when traveling to European destinations like France, Italy or Switzerland, as well as additional countries inside and outside of the Schengen area. After all, U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage for medical emergencies overseas, and the same is true for government health plans like Medicare. Check out our article on whether your health insurance covers international travel .

Other benefits built into Europe travel insurance plans can also protect the money that's been spent on airfare, hotel stays, Europe cruises and tours. For example, travelers can benefit from having coverage for trip cancellation, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Every travel insurance policy is unique, so you'll want to read over individual travel insurance plans to see what they protect against. That said, the bulk of travel insurance plans for trips to Europe provide the following coverages:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Travel delays
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay coverage
  • Medical expenses
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Rental car damage

Some travel insurance plans also offer additional or optional coverage for sports equipment or sports equipment delays, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adventure sports and more.

Some visitors to countries in the Schengen area are required to have a visa for short stays that can last for up to 90 days within a timeline of up to 180 days. However, this is not the case for American citizens, who can stay in Europe for up to 90 days at a time without meeting specific visa requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also notes that American citizens who want to stay in Europe for more than 90 days should reach out to the country they plan on visiting to inquire about their visa process.

If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you are required to purchase Schengen visa insurance that pays for overseas medical expenses. This coverage must provide at least 30,000 euros in protection against medical expenses that result from hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation of remains in the case of accident or death.

  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
  • Travelex Insurance Services: Best Cost
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
  • WorldTrips: Best for Groups

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) and preexisting medical conditions coverage available

Kids 17 and younger covered for free

Lower coverage amount for medical expenses than some providers

  • $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation
  • $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
  • $500 in coverage for eligible trip changes
  • $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
  • $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
  • $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage
  • $300 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
  • $800 in protection for travel delays (daily limit of $200 applies)
  • $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
  • 24-hour hotline assistance
  • Concierge services

Optional CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

Kids 17 and younger are covered for free

Many coverages cost extra

  • 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
  • 150% of trip cost for trip interruption (up to $75,000)
  • $2,000 in coverage for trip delays of five hours or longer
  • $750 in coverage for missed connections
  • $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($500 dental sublimit included)
  • $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
  • $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
  • $200 for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
  • $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • 24/7 travel assistance
  • 100% of the insured trip cost for financial default of a travel provider (maximum of $50,000)
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage for preexisting medical conditions (maximum of $50,000)
  • Cancel for work reasons coverage
  • CFAR insurance
  • Car rental coverage worth up to $35,000
  • $50,000 in additional emergency medical coverage
  • $500,000 in additional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Adventure sports exclusions waiver
  • $200,000 in coverage for flight accidental death and dismemberment

CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

High coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation

CFAR coverage only reimburses at 60%

  • $1,000,000 coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation and transportation
  • $250,000 coverage limit for medical expenses ($500 limit for dental emergencies)
  • 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation
  • 175% of trip cost for trip interruption
  • $1,000 per person for travel delays ($300 per person daily limit applies)
  • $2,000 per person in coverage for baggage and $500 for baggage delays
  • $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment and $500 for sporting equipment delays
  • $1,000 per person in coverage for missed connections
  • Air flight accident AD&D coverage worth $100,000 per person and $200,000 per plan
  • Travel accident AD&D coverage worth $50,000 per person and $100,000 per plan
  • $25,000 in coverage for rental cars
  • 24-hour travel support

Discounts for groups of five or more

Potential for high coverage limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellation

Available coverage limits vary by age

  • $5,000 for local burial or cremation
  • Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
  • $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
  • $10,000 in coverage for trip interruption
  • $1,000 for lost checked luggage
  • $100 in coverage for lost or stolen passports or visas
  • $100 in coverage per day for travel delays of at least 12 hours (two days of coverage maximum)
  • Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has created content about travel insurance, family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more for over a decade. She has visited more than 50 countries around the world and has an annual travel insurance plan of her own. Johnson also has experience navigating the claims process for travel insurance plans and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson works with her husband, Greg, who is licensed to sell travel insurance and owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for Europe: Coverage and policies for 2024

Erica Lamberg

Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:30 a.m. UTC Nov. 27, 2023

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  • A trip to Europe often requires hefty prepaid and nonrefundable deposits to secure flights, hotels and tours. Travel insurance protects these outlays if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
  • Many U.S. health insurance plans don’t provide coverage in foreign countries, making a travel insurance plan with medical expense benefits important for trips to Europe.
  • The best travel insurance for Europe will package together different types of coverage, including trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, travel medical, emergency medical evacuation and baggage insurance.   

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but can also be expensive. Your itinerary may include visits to several European countries, and you can quickly rack up prepaid and nonrefundable expenses for flights, hotels, excursions, tours and experiences. 

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind that you’ll be financially protected if things go wrong before or during your trip. But plans differ, so it’s important to pay attention to included coverages, limits and exclusions when choosing your insurance for travel to Europe. 

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Travel insurance is not required for entering Europe. “But it is a very important consideration for a number of reasons,” said Scott Adamski, spokesperson for AIG Travel.

In addition to protecting your trip deposits if you need to cancel, Adamski said an important reason to secure a travel insurance policy relates to health care coverage for U.S.-based travelers headed to Europe. 

“In a surprise to many, their U.S.-based health insurance policy may not provide coverage, or may provide limited coverage, when they’re traveling out of the country,” said Adamski. 

“Medicare also may not provide coverage outside the U.S. (for older Americans) and there may be restrictions/limitations on medical benefits when traveling abroad,” he said. “In short, it’s vital to review your existing health care coverage before traveling.”

To make sure you’re covered financially if things go awry before or during your European vacation, look for a travel insurance plan that includes travel medical benefits as well as coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation and baggage delay or loss. 

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Average cost for plan with CFAR

CFAR coverage

75% of trip cost

Trip cancellation insurance for travel to Europe

If you’ve booked a trip to Europe, you’re probably thinking, why would I cancel my dream vacation? 

“No one plans to cancel a trip, but sometimes there are circumstances beyond our control — you suffer an injury before your trip, circumstances at your job change or your flight is canceled due to severe weather at your destination,” said Shannon Lofdahl, spokesperson for Travelex Insurance Services. “Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses you if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason,” she said.

In general, covered reasons for trip cancellation insurance benefits include:

  • Death of an immediate family member or a travel companion.
  • A serious illness or injury to you, a close relative or a travel companion.
  • A sudden and serious family emergency.
  • An unexpected job loss or layoff.
  • Unplanned jury duty.
  • Severe weather.
  • Your travel supplier is going out of business.
  • A national transportation strike.

So, if three days before your trip to Vienna, Austria, your husband has a heart attack, you can cancel your trip and receive 100% of any prepaid and nonrefundable trip outlays.

It’s important to note that not all reasons to cancel will be covered by your travel insurance policy. For example, if you see a rainy weather forecast in Barcelona or get nervous to travel to Paris because you learn about a rise in petty crimes there, these are not covered reasons.

If you want the highest level of flexibility to change your travel plans, consider adding “ cancel for any reason ” (CFAR) coverage.

CFAR is an upgrade to a basic travel insurance plan that may boost the price of your policy by about 50%, but will give you the latitude to cancel your trip for any reason as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you meet all the requirements of your plan, you can expect to be reimbursed for 75% — or 50%, depending on the plan — of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.  

Trip delay insurance

Delays are an expected part of traveling these days, especially while traveling abroad, and that fact has emphasized the importance of trip delay coverage, said Lofdahl. “A short delay probably won’t cause you too much stress, but longer delays can mean missing connecting flights.”

Trip delay coverage can reimburse you for costs you incur as a result of a travel delay, as long as the delay was caused by a reason in your policy documents. Severe weather, airline maintenance issues or a security breach at an airport, for instance, are typical reasons covered by trip delay insurance.     

Most policies have a waiting period before your trip delay benefits begin, such as six or 12 hours. If you meet the criteria outlined in your travel insurance policy, you can expect to be reimbursed for a meal, hotel room, taxi fare and a few personal care items to tide you over for the delay, up to the limits in your plan.  

Be sure to hold onto your receipts as you will be asked to submit this documentation when you file a trip delay claim.

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Trip interruption in Europe

No one wants to end their trip early, especially when it’s a long-awaited European vacation, but unexpected issues can arise, said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site.

If there is an emergency back home that is covered by your travel insurance plan, such as a critically ill parent, or if you suffer an injury while traveling in Europe and need to cut your trip short, your policy’s trip interruption insurance can provide financial assistance. 

You can file a trip interruption claim to recover any prepaid, unused and nonrefundable trip costs you lose because of your unexpected early departure. Your benefits will also typically cover a last-minute one-way economy flight home, and transportation to the airport.

Keep in mind, however, not all reasons to end a trip early will be covered. For example, if you miss your new kitten or have a fight with your partner while in Budapest, and want to go home, these are not covered reasons. You will have to pay your own way home and can’t file a claim for losses.

Americans will have to get travel authorization to enter Europe

Currently, Americans don’t have to worry about getting a visa to travel around Europe. However, that will change in mid-2025. That’s when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) goes into effect, requiring people traveling from visa-exempt countries like the United States to get authorization for travel to 30 European countries.

Once applications open up, you will be able to apply on the official ETIAS website or mobile app. You’ll need your passport information to apply, and it will cost 7 euros to process the application. For those who don’t get immediate approval, the decision process could take up to 30 days. 

Once approved, your ETIAS travel authorization will be attached to your passport. It will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. 

A standard travel insurance policy won’t cover you if you don’t get your ETIAS travel authorization in time for your trip, or your ETIAS application is rejected. It will be important to apply for ETIAS early, in case there’s a delay or you need to appeal if you’re denied a visa.

If you have “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage you could cancel your trip if your visa doesn’t get approved in time, but you’d need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip to file a CFAR claim for reimbursement.

Travel medical insurance for Europe

Don’t assume your health insurance applies outside the United States. “Many [domestic health insurance] plans won’t cover you if you become ill or injured traveling in Europe or any other country outside the U.S., and, without travel protection, you would be responsible for all the medical expenses,” said Lofdahl with Travelex.

For instance, if you twist your ankle while touring in Rome, your travel insurance can cover the cost of seeing a doctor, getting X-rays, buying prescription medication and staying in the hospital if deemed necessary. Without this coverage, you are responsible for any medical expenses. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip. This can be worth it for the medical benefits alone when traveling in Europe.

Travel insurance plans also typically include travel assistance, which can help if you get sick or injured in Europe. “This benefit offers a range of 24/7 services while you’re traveling — from assistance finding a covered health care provider to helping with replacing lost or stolen passports,” said Lofdahl. These services can also assist with translation services.

Emergency medical evacuation

Depending on where in Europe you’ll be visiting, you might be far from a medical facility adequately equipped to treat severe illnesses and injuries. 

“For this reason, travelers with underlying medical conditions might wish to consider additional medical evacuation coverage for certain costs associated with transportation, to either the nearest recommended medical facility or back home,” said Adamski with AIG Travel.

Also, he explains, many countries in Europe — particularly in the mountainous regions — offer adventure sports for visitors. “In the warmer months, the outdoorsy types who aren’t biking might pursue mountain climbing, available through a wide range of treks and climbs for beginners and advanced climbers alike. In the winter, of course, ski enthusiasts from around the world visit a number of European countries for their access to great snow, luxurious accommodations and challenging runs,” Adamski said.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen when mountaineering, regardless of the time of year. Having a travel insurance plan can provide financial protection in the event of medical or evacuation losses, he said.

As an example, said Adamski, a policyholder might need to return to the U.S. after a skiing injury and may need accommodations such as a lay-flat seat or a row of seats to stretch out a broken leg. 

“A travel insurance provider, with on-staff doctors and medical coordinators, are invaluable in assisting with medical needs in foreign countries and coordinating with airlines to get injured travelers back home. Such arrangements are remarkably expensive, ranging from $20,000 easily into the six figures,” he explained.

Medical evacuation coverage could help cover these costs, and, in AIG Travel’s travel protection plans, said Adamski, this is complemented by access to an entire medical team dedicated to consulting with the local medical providers, working with you or your family to confirm what’s in your best interests as a patient and making the necessary arrangements to get you where you need to be.

When budgeting for a trip, even the most thorough planners rarely consider a contingency that includes a five- or six-figure emergency medical evacuation, said Adamski. “To be suddenly faced with a bill like that could be devastating. Also, the expertise of the medical staff that would be helping to coordinate such an evacuation could (literally) be a lifesaver,” he said.

Clark with Squaremouth notes that travelers heading to Europe should look for policies with at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. However, if a traveler is doing more remote activities, such as backpacking through the Swiss Alps or exploring the Scandinavian wilderness, “We recommend at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage,” he said.

Travel insurance coverage for baggage and belongings

Lofdahl with Travelex said that the return to travel has been wonderful, but the labor shortage has brought some challenges to the industry. “Delayed and lost baggage is one that most people heard about last year and into this year,” she said. “Every airline experienced increases in lost and delayed baggage, and some even had triple the number of lost and delayed bags as they did in the same period in 2021. I can tell you from experience that this can impact your trip.”

European travel generally can include connecting flights which can increase the likelihood that your luggage can be misdirected or lost.

If your luggage decides to vacation in Madrid instead of Athens, you can file a claim with your travel insurance company. Just be sure to get a report from your airline carrier first.

You may also be able to file a claim for delayed luggage. Depending on your plan, you can purchase a few items to tide you over until your bags arrive at your destination, like a swimsuit, some toiletries and a change of clothes. Just be sure to keep any applicable receipts.

Your travel insurance plan may also reimburse you for other personal effect losses while on your vacation. For example, if your camera gets stolen while touring Copenhagen, or if your leather jacket is swiped while in Milan, you can file a claim. But first, you’ll need to file an incident report with your tour leader, hotel manager or local law enforcement. You will be asked for this documentation during the claim process. 

It’s very important to read your travel insurance documents carefully so you understand the scope of your benefits. There are often per-item limits and caps for coverage, rules about how depreciation will affect your reimbursement levels and exclusions which won’t be covered. For instance, lost or stolen cash isn’t reimbursable, and many high-ticket items like heirloom jewelry and designer watches are often excluded from coverage.

Baggage loss insurance is also typically secondary coverage, meaning it comes into play only after you’ve filed for reimbursement from your airline or homeowners insurance (in the event of theft).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Buying a travel insurance policy for Europe isn’t required, but it is a smart way to financially protect your trip investment and to ensure you have medical coverage while traveling abroad. 

“Just because it’s not required doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. Unexpected medical bills can be costly, and an unforeseen emergency evacuation or repatriation back home to the U.S. or Canada can climb to tens of thousands of dollars,” said Terra Baykal, spokesperson with World Nomads.

Travel insurance also provides trip cancellation benefits, which can help you recoup the cost of trip deposits. “Travel insurance may reimburse you for your missed nonrefundable, prepaid travel arrangements like hotels, flights and tours, if you need to cancel for a covered reason, like the death of an immediate family member, or your last-minute illness or injury,” said Baykal.

It’s also important to find an insurer who will cover you for all the activities you plan to pursue in Europe. So if skydiving in Switzerland, paragliding in Greece or ziplining in Croatia is in the cards, make sure your insurer covers your more adventurous pursuits, said Baykal. 

World Nomads automatically covers more than 150 adventure activities and sports for U.S. residents without the need for an additional adventure activities rider. 

While not required to enter Europe, a travel insurance policy with emergency medical coverage is a good idea when traveling to Europe, said Baykal of World Nomads.

Many U.S.-based health insurance providers offer no coverage abroad, or very limited global benefits. If your domestic health insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage outside of the U.S., buying travel medical insurance for Europe is recommended.

Whether your health coverage travels with you outside the U.S. depends on your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Check with your carrier to determine the scope of your travel medical insurance . 

According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, travelers should refer to their Certificate of Coverage and riders and also call customer service to find out about limitations to travel coverage.

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

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

Erica Lamberg

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

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

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Europ Assistance

Get Your Schengen Insurance

  • Hospitalisation expenses up to 30,000€
  • Assistance in the event of illness/injury and death
  • Coverage in the Schengen area

Extend Your Coverage

  • Hospitalisation expenses up to 60,000€
  • Assistance in the event of illness/injury and death
  • Coverage in the Schengen area + European Union
  • Return/relocation and lodging expenses of a companion

europe express travel insurance

Before traveling, please check the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, the European Union and your local government. Important restrictions are applied to the Schengen Area and visas are likely to be limited to specific travels only. Our travel insurance policies are made to protect you against unforeseeable events, such as sudden illnesses or accidental bodily injuries. We remind you that epidemics and/or infectious diseases such as CoVid 19 are excluded from our policies.

europe express travel insurance

Schengen travel insurance

Europ Assistance makes it easy for you to select and purchase your travel insurance online. Your insurance will be ready in a matter of minutes and our insurance certificates are recognized by embassies, consulates and visa centers around the world , which helps you acquire a Schengen visa for your next trip to Europe. You will immediately receive the certificate and you will be able to download it at any time in any of our six languages : English, French, Spanish, German, Russian or Chinese.

europe express travel insurance

Which countries are in the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is made up of 26 countries (and 3 microstates) where travelers and residents can move freely from state to state without a passport, as there is no longer common border control between Schengen states. Travel insurance is highly suggested for all travelers, and for most countries is mandatory , as it is needed to obtain the visa to enter the Schengen area. You can obtain your visa application form from the country you plan to enter through first or the one you plan to spend the most time in. ​

europe express travel insurance

The leading Schengen travel insurance provider

When you choose Europ Assistance as your Schengen visa travel insurance provider, you also get the support and expertise of 750,000 partners . If something goes wrong, not only will your medical expenses be properly reimbursed, but you will also get help from competent medical professionals at qualified medical centers, no matter where you are. During stressful situations or emergencies abroad, communicating in your native language can be a source of comfort. When such a situation occurs, you can trust that Europ Assistance will be there to help you 24/7 .

europe express travel insurance

If you wish to subscribe for more than 20 people, please contact us

Travel dates

  • Country of residence All travellers are from the same country of residence : Yes No

A Schengen visa is not required for your trip, however, you should still consider purchasing travel insurance. You can travel with peace of mind and are covered throughout the European Union with our Schengen Plus cover.

  • Hospitalisation expenses up to  60,000€
  • Coverage in the Schengen area +  European Union

The best travel insurance policies and providers

Katie Genter

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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).

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel 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.

europe express travel 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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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.

europe express travel insurance

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

europe express 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?

europe express 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?

europe express 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?

europe express travel 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

europe express 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 .

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  • Key takeaways

Do I need travel insurance to visit Europe?

What does travel insurance for europe cover, what isn’t covered by european travel insurance, how much does travel insurance for europe cost, how to get the best travel insurance for europe, europe travel information & requirements, europe travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Europe Travel Insurance: Your Essential Coverage Guide

Leigh Morgan

  • Based on our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Europe come from Tin Leg , Generali , and Seven Corners .
  • If you have an emergency while traveling overseas, a European travel insurance plan can reimburse you for some of your losses.
  • American medical insurance doesn’t cover the cost of receiving health care in Europe , so it’s especially important to get medical and medevac insurance when traveling in Europe.
  • Street crime, risks of terrorism, and political unrest are some of the reasons trip interruption, cancellation, and medical coverage should be considered when visiting Europe.
  • In addition to medical costs, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can also help cover costs associated with cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and more.
  • While cheap insurance with basic coverage can cost as little as $1 per day, you can expect to pay around $8 to $11 per day for more extensive travel insurance.
  • To compare plans and find the right policy to suit your needs, we recommend using an online comparison tool .

From the luxury resorts of Monaco to the sauerkraut in Germany, Europe has a little something for everyone.

If you’re planning a getaway, it’s important to have travel insurance before embarking on your European adventure. This type of insurance reimburses your prepaid expenses if you’re injured, come down with a serious illness, or experience other problems outside of your control.

To help you plan a trip that goes off without a hitch, we put together this guide to traveling to Europe from the United States. Find out about the visa and passport requirements, discover why it’s so important to have travel insurance for Europe , and learn more about our top picks for comprehensive coverage.

Our top picks for the best europe travel insurance

  • Tin Leg: Best Rated Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners: Best Value for a Robust Coverage
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best Value Travel Insurance

Our top picks for Europe travel insurance

Tin Leg

Seven Corners

Generali global assistance.

Standard European travel insurance usually covers every country in the European Union (now excluding the UK ) and the Schengen Zone. If you plan to travel to either country, make sure your insurance plan will cover you. If you plan to travel to a non-Schengen, non-EU country, ask your agent to write a custom policy that includes every destination on your itinerary. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual insurance plan that covers you for multiple trips and destinations.

Although you don’t have to officially buy travel insurance unless you plan to apply for a visa, it’s wise to buy coverage even if it’s not required. Travel insurance protects against losses associated with medical emergencies, travel delays, lost or stolen luggage, and a wide range of other travel-related problems as we can see below.

Here are some of the reasons Americans should get travel insurance for visiting Europe

Risk of falling victim to street crime

Instances of pickpocketing, general theft, financial scams, and street muggings are not uncommon throughout Europe , as highlighted by the European Crime Prevention Network . Such acts of opportunist theft often happen throughout major European cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, places where there are a high number of visiting tourists with their guard down. Therefore, it’s important that you keep your valuables out of sight and secure, especially when visiting popular tourist sites and traveling on public transport.

Purchasing a travel insurance policy that covers you for loss of items can go a long way to relieving any stress you receive from falling victim to pickpockets and thieves during your vacation to Europe.

Risk of terrorism

Much like the rest of the Western world, E urope remains on high alert for the risk of terrorist attacks , especially in recent years, especially from Islamic and political extremists - as seen in the official Europol data . Although Europol and local law enforcement strive to keep the risk of attack relatively low, it is not without basis that attacks can happen.

Therefore, it’s important for US citizens to take out travel insurance that covers them for emergency medical coverage and emergency evacuation coverage , should the worst happen while they are on

Political unrest

Political demonstrations, industrial strikes, and even riots are not uncommon across many European nations , especially in the nation’s capitals. As seen in the recent Paris riots in 2023 , these demonstrations can spill out across the city and cause chaos to both tourists and locals alike.

Having an insurance plan that covers you for any trip interruptions, cancellations, and medical coverage for any unforeseen accidents you may face is ideal when traveling across Europe .

Outdoor activities

Visitors to Europe can enjoy a huge range of outdoor activities. Whether this is hiking through the foothills of the Alps, scaling the numerous mountains scattered across the continent, swimming and boating along its endless shores, or an exciting mix of all - this all comes with its own particular risks.

If you plan to enjoy the endless opportunities of the great outdoors while vacating in Europe, it’s essential that you have a travel insurance policy that covers you for sporting and adventure pursuits.

Risk of a driving accident

Generally speaking, driving in Europe is a safe affair. However, it is important to remember that each country has its own unique driving conditions and rules, as can be seen on the official website of the EU . It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and driving customs of any European country you are visiting.

If you are planning to hire a vehicle while vacating in Europe, you should consider taking out rental care travel insurance that covers accidents, theft, and vandalism . Also, considering the general risks while driving on unfamiliar roads, emergency medical coverage is a must.

European travel insurance usually bundles several types of coverage into a single policy. Here are some of the most common types of travel insurance available:

Travel medical insurance

The best travel insurance for Europe should, at the most basic level, include coverage for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation coverage. Your American health insurance won’t pick up the tab if you need medical care while you’re in Europe. Therefore, it’s important to buy travel medical insurance . Health insurance for travel to Europe covers lab tests, X-rays, and other medical expenses. This type of insurance also covers the cost of repatriation, which is when you leave Europe and return to the United States.

Medical evacuation insurance

In addition to your travel medical insurance in Europe, you should have medical evacuation insurance , better known as medevac coverage. It would be convenient to get sick less than 1 mile away from a hospital, but many emergency situations occur in remote areas without immediate access to medical care.

This type of travel insurance pays to transport you to the closest suitable medical facility. For example, if you sustain serious injuries while skiing or hiking, your insurer will cover the cost of having a helicopter transport you to a trauma center.

Trip cancellation insurance

If you have to cancel your trip for no fault of your own, trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for all prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses up to the limit outlined in your policy. For example, this type of travel insurance may cover the cost of flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid excursions. Some policies will also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage . This allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and claim back between 50% and 70% of your total prepaid travel expenses.

Trip delay insurance

These days, flight delays are common. It’s also possible for a cruise ship, ferry, or bus to depart later than scheduled, causing you to miss your connection. If this happens while you’re traveling in Europe, trip delay insurance will cover meals, lodging, and other expenses incurred due to the delay. To use this type of travel insurance, you must be using a common carrier, which is a company that provides transportation services to the public.

Trip interruption insurance

It’s no fun ending a trip early, but it’s even less fun if you lose money on prepaid lodging, meals, and other expenses. Trip interruption insurance takes the sting out of this situation by reimbursing you for the unused portion of your trip.

Insurance for personal items

Comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage loss, baggage theft, and damage to the personal items in your luggage. For example, if your duffel bag gets stuck in a machine at the airport, your travel insurance may cover the cost of replacing some of your damaged belongings.

Rental car coverage

If you plan to travel around town in a rented vehicle, consider getting rental car coverage for extra peace of mind. This type of insurance covers accidents, theft, and vandalism.

Standard travel insurance covers many things, but it usually excludes the following:

  • Intentional acts:   If you damage a rental car on purpose, your travel insurance won’t pay a dime.
  • Pre-existing conditions:   Travel health insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, which are health problems that you have before you travel to Europe. For example, if you’ve had hypertension for 10 years, your travel insurance won’t pay any medical expenses associated with a hypertensive crisis. If you are aware of any ongoing illnesses, it is advisable to purchase insurance for pre-existing conditions .
  • Reasonably foreseeable events:   An emergency is a serious, unexpected event, so you don’t know when it’s going to occur. With a reasonably foreseeable event, there is some indication that an emergency might happen. If you choose to travel anyway, your travel insurance won’t cover any costs associated with trip cancellations, trip delays or trip interruptions.
  • Injuries caused by risky activities:   SCUBA diving, skydiving, and mountain climbing are risky. Standard travel insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses associated with these activities, so you’ll need to buy a policy that includes coverage for adventure sports.
  • Government travel restrictions:   Your insurance company has no control over how a government conducts its business. Therefore, if one of the countries you’re visiting decides to implement new travel restrictions during your trip, travel insurance won’t cover any of the associated costs.

Travel insurance for a trip to Europe can be as cheap as around $1 per day for very basic coverage. For a comprehensive policy, you can typically expect to pay $8 to $11 per day.

To give you a better idea of how much travel insurance for Europe costs we got price quotes for a trip to Ireland from three different insurance providers.

For each quote, we applied the following travel details:

  • Age: 35 years old
  • Destination: Ireland
  • Trip Length: 7 days
  • Trip cost: $2,000
  • Date: August 2024

This table displays three quotes for basic travel insurance plans where plans don’t reimburse the full trip costs:

If you want to purchase more comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions, your premium will be more expensive:

It’s important to understand that many factors influence the cost of travel insurance.

  • Age:   Older people have a higher risk of developing serious injuries. Travel insurance providers account for this risk with higher prices. However, there is also the opportunity to purchase specific travel insurance for seniors - these policies are designed with elderly travelers in mind.
  • Trip length:   The longer your trip is, the more money you’re likely to spend. Insurers charge more for long trips to account for the increased cost of reimbursing you for delays, cancellations, and other problems.
  • Destination:   Some destinations are a bit riskier than others. Insurance companies charge higher premiums to avoid losing money on claims.

To get the best travel insurance for Europe, follow these tips:

Plan your itinerary carefully

The cost of travel insurance depends on your destination and the type of transportation you plan to use.

Purchase extra coverage if you plan to participate in adventure activities

Most travel insurance plans don’t cover adventure activities, so be sure to purchase additional protection if you plan to take part in such plans

Think about how much flexibility you want

If there’s a good chance you’ll experience an unexpected hiccup, consider purchasing a comprehensive policy rather than a basic one

Consult the table below for a quick overview of the requirements for traveling from the United States to Europe

Tips for visiting Europe

Are there covid-19 restrictions for entering europe.

As of September 2023, most countries have eliminated their COVID-19 screening requirements. However, the situation may change at any time, as SARS-CoV-2 mutates regularly. It is there for advisable that you take out a travel insurance policy that offers COVID-19 coverage .

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

In most European countries, including the  27 countries in the Schengen Zone , you don’t need a visa for trips lasting 90 days or less. You do need a visa if you plan to travel to Turkey or the Russian Federation, regardless of how long you plan to stay.

If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you may need a Schengen visa or a country-specific visa. The Schengen visa allows you to travel between countries in the Schengen Area without going through a check at every border crossing.

The table below shows the tourist visa requirements for European countries.

Does American insurance work in Europe?

Most U.S. health insurance plans will not cover medical care and treatment outside the United States . Although there are some small exceptions, having comprehensive travel insurance will protect you against huge medical bills, travel delays, and much more

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

In most cases, travel insurance isn’t required, but you should get it anyway. This type of insurance gives you extra peace of mind in the event you experience a delay, cancellation, or other problem outside of your control.

Is travel insurance for Europe worth it?

Absolutely, travel insurance is worth it . You never know when you’ll come down with a serious illness or experience some other type of emergency. It’s good to have travel insurance to reimburse you for your losses.

How much does travel insurance for a trip to Europe cost?

It depends on your age, destination, and trip cost. For the most basic coverage, you can purchase a policy for as little as $1 per day. A more extensive travel insurance policy for Europe will generally cost between $8 and $11 per day.

Can I use my U.S. health insurance in Europe?

No. Your U.S. health insurance won’t cover any medical expenses incurred in Europe

Leigh Morgan

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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The Best Travel Health Insurance Companies for Europe

If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, you will definitely want travel insurance to supplement your trip in case anything goes wrong. These are six of the best travel insurance companies for coverage in Europe.

europe express travel insurance

Photo: Pexels.com

When you’re planning a trip to Europe, half of the fun is working out the details of your itinerary, creating a bucket list of attractions to visit, and mapping out the route you want to take.

It’s easy to forget about the finer details, like travel insurance.

That’s just human nature. Who wants to think about the bad stuff when there’s so much to look forward to?

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind while you’re exploring. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a relaxing wine tour through Italy or a more adventurous jaunt through Switzerland – being insured means you’ll come home with only awesome memories and not outrageous medical bills.

But there are different types of travel insurance for Europe and the Schengen zone. Here’s how to pick the best one for your needs.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Europe

So why do you even need travel insurance for Europe, anyway?

It all comes down to a very blunt truth: literally anything could happen while you’re on the road, and you need to protect yourself. It’s truly no different than having health insurance in your home country.

Travelers don’t like thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s the responsible thing to do. And a good travel insurance policy covers everything from the smallest stuff – like lost and stolen luggage – to all the big picture items, like natural disasters or broken bones. Yes, even death.

In countries where you’re not a resident, the cost of things like medical bills and emergency evacuation are drastically higher than in your home country (even compared to the US, where those bills are crazy high already). So while you might not like the idea of dishing out money for insurance, you definitely don’t want to return from your trip with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Note: Depending on your home country, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa. Furthermore, countries outside the Europe Schengen zone may have different visa and travel insurance requirements than member states inside the Schengen zone, including the UK. When in doubt, talk to an agent!

europe express travel insurance

BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR EUROPE 

If you take away just one important thing from this article, let it be this: Europe travel insurance is necessary. Just because these countries are developed and modern doesn’t mean you’re immune to accidents or illness on your travels.

Have a look at the different Europe travel insurance companies and their travel insurance plans.

1. Seven Corners: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Students

So you’ve got your visa application sent off and you’re planning on studying for a semester in Europe. Welcome to one of the best experiences of your life!

It’s likely that you’ll be required to have Europe travel insurance as part of your visa requirements to study abroad (and you may even need to present proof of insurance with your visa application and your visa letter). Regardless, travel health insurance is a must—and Seven Corners is the best.

Seven Corners has three different travel insurance plans specifically designed for international students. Each one is customizable so that you can even change the amount of medical coverage (up to $250,000) as well as the deductible. When you visit the student health center at your school, it’ll only cost you a $5 copay. Trip cancellation and interruption are also covered.

There are tons of options to add as well. For example, if you want to visit family back home while on your holidays, you can add coverage for when you return to the US (or wherever home may be). That means if you get into an accident while you’re at home, you’ll have health insurance coverage.

Get a quote

2. SafetyWing: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Expats & Long-Term Travelers

SafetyWing has incredibly unique travel insurance offerings for long-term travelers/expats.

SafetyWing is a rare gem of a travel insurance company because their plans allow you to have coverage for as long as you want. It works like a subscription, and your plan renews every four weeks automatically (until you cancel).

You’ll get coverage up to $100,000 for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage in 180+ countries. Trip interruption and trip delay coverage is also included (up to $100/day), but trip cancellations are not.

There’s one downside: SafetyWing’s insurance policies will not cover your gear. For digital nomads traveling with laptops, cameras, and other items of high value, this may be a dealbreaker. The good news is that you can add supplemental insurance like InsureMyEquipment to make sure you’ve got complete coverage.

More information

3. World Nomads: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Adventure Travelers

World Nomads is an all-around awesome insurance provider, but especially if you’re an adventurous type. They cover over 300 sports and activities, and their Explorer Plan is catered specifically to those interested in higher-risk activities.

Snowboarding in Switzerland? Diving in the Mediterranean? Competing in an air guitar competition (seriously) in Finland? This is the policy for you.

World Nomads’ plans include up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation and repatriation, and coverage for stolen or lost luggage. Bonus: their policies have always provided coverage for pandemics/epidemics, so you’re well covered up to $100,000 in emergency medical for COVID-19 too.

The user experience and customer service with World Nomads is also top-notch. If you’re not completely sure if your activity is covered, definitely speak with an insurance agent about your case.

4. Tin Leg: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Seniors

If you’re a senior ready to leave behind the US and make your dream of Europe travels come true, Tin Leg is the travel health insurance company for you.

Travel insurance requirements can be stringent for seniors, especially if you have pre-existing conditions (or if you’re over a certain age). Tin Leg is unique in that it offers travel insurance for people up to age 90!

Tin Leg has a few different plans, including the Tin Leg Economy policy with basic trip cancellations and medical coverage up to $20,000. That’s a bit low compared to other plans, but the Tin Leg Luxury policy covers people up to $100,000 for emergency medical and $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Pre-Existing Condition coverage is also included if your policy is purchased within 15 days of booking your Europe trip.

5. Travelex: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Families

Taking the whole fam on a country-hopping tour of Europe? Travel insurance coverage is a must for the whole gang.

One of the best things about Travelex is that they provide free coverage for all children age 17 and under, as long as they’re traveling with you under a single policy. It doesn’t matter if you have one kid or five…they’re all covered for travel health insurance!

Travelex is a heavy-duty insurer, and although they only have two main plans they also tons of add-on options. The Basic plan covers $15,000 in emergency medical expenses, $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation, and $500 for lost and damaged baggage.

But with their Travel Select plan, your coverage skyrockets: you’ll get $50,000 in emergency medical, $1,000 for lost or damaged luggage, and $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. You’ll also get 150 percent of your insured trip cost reimbursed if your trip is interrupted.

6. AXA: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Multiple Trips

If you’re addicted to Europe travel, getting covered by Ama’s Multi-Trip Schengen visa travel insurance is a must.

Multi-Trip is an AXA Schengen visa insurance for frequent travelers who plan on making several trips to Europe over one year. That means if, for example, you’re traveling between the US and France all year on business, you don’t have to purchase travel insurance more than once.

AXA offers medical insurance for expenses up to €100,000 ($111,000) for both the Schengen zone as well as other countries outside of Schengen. If your Europe travel takes you to places like Monaco and Liechtenstein, the AXA Multi-Trip Schengen travel insurance is a great option for you.

But before you plan multiple trips all over Europe, make sure you’re aware of the Schengen visa requirements. Citizens of certain countries may need to apply for a visa depending on the country (if you’re a traveler from the US, you likely won’t have to). Visa refusal is never a fun experience, so make sure to include your AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate with your visa application.

If you’re unsure about anything, AXA has some great customer service. When in doubt, give them a call.

europe express travel insurance

EUROPE TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs 

Now that you’re aware of the different Europe travel insurance options and their different travel insurance policies, let’s make sure you’re clear on everything else travel insurance related.

Is travel insurance necessary in Europe? 

Yes, as soon as you leave the US (or your home country) to visit Europe and the Schengen area, travel insurance is necessary. Travel medical insurance is by far the most important asset for any traveler because those medical expenses will skyrocket if you get sick or injured abroad.

Plus your Schengen travel insurance should also cover things like trip cancellations and interruption. No matter what country you’re visiting, you need to be prepared.

Does travel insurance for Europe also cover the United Kingdom?

It’s important to understand that not all countries are part of the European Schengen area, including the United Kingdom. Your Schengen visa will not apply here, and your European travel insurance may not apply.

Some insurances, like World Nomads, will take into account that you’re traveling all over the European region and that you don’t just need Schengen travel insurance. When you’re requesting a quote online, you can select each destination you’ll be visiting.

You need to check with your travel insurance plan to make sure you’re covered for all your medical expenses and emergency evacuation (as well as anything else you want).

Talk to some travel insurance agents for greater clarity on your options. Europe travel awaits!

How much travel insurance do I need for Europe? 

The amount of travel insurance coverage you need for Europe/the Schengen area really depends on what you’re planning to do. In any case, your insurance plan should at least cover you for up to $100,000 in medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

You’ll also want to consider what kind of expenses you’ll incur if you’re not covered for things like trip interruption, cancellations, and lost/damaged luggage. You can’t often make corrections to your travel health insurance plan after you’ve begun traveling, so make sure you get it right!

Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes, US citizens absolutely need travel medical insurance for Europe, including the Schengen area.

If you’re a US citizen and you get sick or if you’re seriously hurt while in Europe or the Schengen area, you could face crazy high medical expenses. That could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt.

Europe travel insurance is a must for any traveler, and that means US citizens too.

What countries are included in Europe travel insurance?

Generally, Europe/Schengen travel insurance will cover all European countries. As mentioned above, insurers know that you’re likely to visit more than one country on your trip.

But do your homework. Some popular European countries aren’t part of the Schengen area, including the likes of Bulgaria, Croatia, and even the United Kingdom. When it comes to insurance coverage, make sure you read the fine print and make any corrections to your policy as needed.

Residents from certain countries other than the US may require a visa as well, and applicants will want to apply well in advance. Bottom line: your travel medical insurance (just like your Schengen visa requirements) may differ depending on where you’re going.

Does my health insurance cover me in Europe?

Depending on the health insurance coverage you have at home, you may have travel coverage for Europe travel too. Keep in mind this is still travel insurance though—you won’t be able to claim expenses for things like cosmetic surgery abroad.

But in general, residents of the US (and residents of other places, for that matter) shouldn’t assume they’re covered.

Pro-tip: review your policy in great detail before you leave, in case you need to make any corrections.

Do I need Schengen visa insurance for Europe?

Many citizens do not need a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe. You’ll need to figure out what the Schengen visa requirements are for your country first. If you’re a US citizen, for example, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Applying for a visa can be a daunting experience for some citizens, but the online process for applicants is pretty straightforward. Absolutely make sure you have proof of your Schengen visa travel insurance secured beforehand (like the AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate mentioned earlier), and include it with your visa letter and visa application.

Once you’ve received your Schengen visa, you’re good to go.

Now it’s time—are you ready to see Europe?

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Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews ( here's how we assess insurance products ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners ; however, our opinions are our own.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this travel insurance guide, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

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  • Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
  • AXA Assistance USA : Runner-Up
  • Travel Guard : Best for Cruises
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Best Reputation
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance : Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions
  • WorldTrips Travel Insurance : Best for Digital Nomads
  • Trawick International Travel Insurance : Best Low-Cost Option
  • Travelex Travel Insurance : Best for Road Trips

Compare the Top Travel Insurance Offers

Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

  • Cancel for any reason coverage available

AXA AXA Assistance USA

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
  • Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, a minimum of up to $750 in luggage losses, and 24/7 worldwide travel insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers up to 100% trip cancellation refund for eligible travel
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans are customizable with relevant add-ons
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good customer service and easy sign up according to traveler reviews
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. More affordable plans offer low caps on medical and emergency coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums are on the expensive side relative to comparable competitor plans
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer during peak travel seasons

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is one of the leading insurance brands on the market. It offers several plans with key add-ons for travelers.

  • This provider underwrites travel insurance policies for a number of other companies in addition to offering its own plans
  • Travelers can file claims directly from a smartphone by using the BHTP app

TinLeg Tin Leg Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

  • Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

WorldTrips WorldTrips Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

  • Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • Trip protection insurance

Trawick Trawick International Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

  • Travel medical insurance
  • Trip protection and cancellation
  • International student insurance
  • Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Travelex Travelex Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

  • Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
  • Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Best Travel Insurance Reviews

Best overall travel insurance: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance: Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

AIG Travel Guard Review

Best Travel Insurance for Company Reputation: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  helps travelers make the best of bad situations by simplifying the process of filing a claim down to a simple photo snap and some basic paperwork submitted directly through a dedicated app.

Approved claims are also paid out very rapidly, making it easier to carry through with a trip when luggage has been lost or alternative travel plans need to be made on the fly.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Review

Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Thanks to coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

Best Low-Cost Travel Insurance Option: Trawick International Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance  is another medically robust insurance provider that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Trawick Travel Insurance Review

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

  • Travel Basic
  • Travel Select
  • Travel America

The Travelex American plan is meant for trips limited to the US, but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the US for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Travelex Travel Insurance Review

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about the financial aspect of receiving medical care while traveling , even in the most remote corners of the globe.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.

Choosing Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with preexisting conditions, so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose The Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award 5 stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2022 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the US Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

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  • Amex Platinum Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

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Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Amex Platinum Card Overview

Standard car rental coverage, premium car rental protection coverage, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, emergency medical transport and evacuation — complimentary coverages, additional medical assistance, other hotline services, filing a claim, final thoughts.

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

Frequent travelers who are interested in premium travel benefits and solid reward-earning opportunities gravitate to The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The card, as well as The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , has been the go-to card for meeting travelers’ earning, redemption, and benefits needs.

We frequently cover Membership Rewards points-earning opportunities , as well as a multitude of ways to maximize the redemption options . We’ve even done a deep dive into getting the most from statement credits offered by Amex cards.

Next up in our collection of articles focusing on the valuable perks that come with the Amex Platinum card is the card’s travel insurance benefits. Insurance can be inherently confusing in general and the insurance coverages that come with credit cards can be equally so.

Fortunately, even a quick overview will give you some insight as to the insurance coverages you can expect on the Amex Platinum card. So, right here and now, we’re stepping up to deliver just that.

Let’s take a look at exactly which insurances come with the card, how these benefits can provide a level of peace of mind, and find out what situations might trigger the coverage to provide economic value.

It’s important to have a little background on the card to put its coverage into context. Here are important card details, including the current welcome bonus and annual fee.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
  • $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

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Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Amex Car Rental Insurance

The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard car rental insurance that provides secondary coverage when using your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental car contract. You also have the option to purchase premium primary car rental coverage .

For either coverage to be valid, you must decline the rental car agency’s LDW (loss damage waiver) or CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage when renting the vehicle.

Here’s an overview of how both of these coverages work:

Secondary (standard) coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance you might have before the card coverage applies.

You can expect to receive excess secondary coverage for these losses:

  • Damage to and theft of the vehicle
  • Personal property up to $1,000 per person/$2,000 per accident
  • Accidental injury up to $5,000 per claimant
  • Accidental death/dismemberment up to $300,000

This is just a snapshot of the standard secondary car rental coverage; several terms and conditions apply. You should access the official guide to benefits or call your benefits administrator for specific information.

One of the real car rental insurance perks of holding the Amex Platinum card is having access to Premium Car Rental Protection coverage for just 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period, not a per-day charge like the rental agency charges.

Although there are some credit cards with primary rental car insurance , the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection coverage, in some circumstances, can provide equal or better coverage and elevated peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Consider Amex Premium Car Rental Protection if you don’t have a credit card that provides primary car rental insurance. Additionally, if you are renting an expensive vehicle that exceeds your card’s limit of coverage or the maximum length of the rental period on your other card is limited to less than 42 days, the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection could also be a prudent choice. 

Trip Delay

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are designed to cover unexpected, unforeseen events that may cause you to have to cancel your trip or that cause a disruption in a trip you’re already started.

To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip common carrier ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

American Express has a broad definition of who is covered under this benefit. Eligible travelers can include the cardholder, traveling companion, family member of the eligible traveler, or family member of the traveling companion.

Examples of events that could be covered include the following:

  • Bodily Injury or Illness — If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either, experience an accidental injury or become ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may have coverage
  • Bad Weather — If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, there could be coverage
  • Change in Military Orders —Applies to cardmember and/or spouse (spouse definition includes domestic partner)
  • Terrorist action or hijacking
  • Jury duty or other qualifying legal obligation
  • Uninhabitable dwelling of either the cardmember or traveling companion
  • Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip , and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period.

Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: While the trip cancellation/trip interruption benefit covers specifically stated reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, there is no coverage for voluntary cancellations, disruptions due to known events, or for preexisting conditions. Additional terms and conditions can be found in your guide to benefits or call the benefits administrator prior to your trip.

Experiencing a trip delay is inevitable so having coverage for added expenses as a result of that delay could be a welcome economic benefit. To qualify for trip delay coverage, just pay for the full amount of your common carrier round-trip transportation ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

The delay must be for more than 6 hours for you to be eligible for reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging.

Coverage limits are $500 per covered trip and a maximum of up to 2 covered trips in each consecutive 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to other coverage that applies and does not include expenses that are reimbursed by the airline or other entities. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

Losing a checked bag used to be a very common occurrence. With new technology and tracking mechanisms, however, incidents have declined, but they still happen. If you do happen to experience lost bags, however, you can count on the baggage insurance found on the Amex Platinum card.

To activate the coverage , simply pay for your common-carrier fare with your card and/or Membership Rewards points.

Here’s the coverage you can expect for lost luggage:

  • Checked Bags — Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
  • Carry-on Bags — Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip
  • Specialty High-value Items — Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
  • Combined Limit — The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is covered only while traveling on a common carrier . Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to , from , and when waiting at the carrier terminal.

Note that the coverage on the card is secondary to any other insurance or reimbursement you might receive from the airline. There is no coverage for delayed baggage , but several other credit cards do offer this coverage .

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Snowboarders on chair lift

While technically not insurance coverage, having access to help when you’re traveling, 24/7, is sure to provide additional peace of mind. The Amex Platinum card offers a premium version of a dedicated helpline that serves as a welcome resource should things go wrong during your travels.

Here are the types of assistance you can expect from the service:

One of the premium services offered on the card is complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation . If you or a covered family member becomes injured or ill during your travels, you could receive emergency medical transportation or evacuation , if necessary.

You can expect to receive the following services without charge when arranged via the hotline:

  • Emergency Transport or Evacuation — Transport to the nearest medical facility or transport from an inadequate medical facility
  • Transport of Family Member — Transport may be covered for an adult member to be by the bedside of the cardmember or for the cardmember’s minor child (who had been traveling alone with the cardmember) to be transported back to the U.S.
  • Transport of Remains — Amex will pay for the transport of remains back to the U.S.
  • Post-Evacuation Assistance — If you’re evacuated and your return ticket back to the U.S. has become invalid, Amex will arrange and pay for transportation back to the U.S.

Please note that the Premium Global Assist Hotline does not cover any medical expenses or emergency transportation services arranged outside of the hotline. Several terms and conditions apply to these coverages.

In addition to the complimentary coverages offered by the hotline, you’ll find these additional medical services:

  • Medical Referrals — Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor, a hospital, or other needed medical services
  • Prescription Replacement Assistance — Get help with replacing lost or forgotten medications

There is no charge for the referral service but cardmembers are responsible for actual services received from the provider.

  • Passport/Visa Assistance — Whether you need help replacing a passport or have a need to contact the U.S. consulate, the hotline can assist
  • Emergency Translation Services — Receive over-the-phone services or written language translation assistance
  • Legal Referrals — Should you need legal services during your trip, the hotline can help you find local bail bond services that accept Amex or refer you to other legal personnel
  • Financial Assistance — The hotline can help you arrange cash wire services, help you check out of your hotel remotely, or assist with lost card situations
  • Emergency Message Relay — In the event of an emergency, the hotline can send a message to a family member, friend, or another recipient on your behalf
  • Lost Items — Should you lose an item, your baggage gets lost, or other missing possession, the hotline can help track it down
  • Trip Planning Services — Access information such as weather, currency exchange rates, passport/visa requirements, customs information, travel warnings, and more

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation services with no stated limit. Additional medical, legal, and travel service referrals are also complimentary, but other than the emergency medical transportation and evacuation, services rendered must be paid for by the cardholder. 

As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to report any event as soon as possible, provide supporting documentation, and follow up after the claim has been filed.

You could be expected to submit any, or all, of the following:

  • Copies of your common carrier ticket
  • Copies of your credit card statement showing the expenses
  • Proof of the loss (i.e. a copy of physician’s quarantine order, military orders, etc.)
  • Copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy
  • Any other supporting documentation requested by the claims administrator

Claims must be reported within 60 days but it is best to do it as soon as possible. Once you report the claim, you’ll receive instructions for completing the next steps in the process.

Hot Tip: Be sure to take photos and videos, keep receipts, secure any applicable police report, and hold on to other documentation that might be needed to support your claim. Keep in mind that supporting information can be difficult to obtain after the fact but may be readily secured at the time of the claim. 

While the insurance that comes with the Amex Platinum card won’t take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , you’ll find value in several of the benefits.

Utilizing Premium Car Rental Protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could save you more than you could imagine in certain circumstances.

Additionally, knowing the coverages you have in advance has tremendous value. You’ll be armed with information to make educated decisions that can protect each aspect of your trip and be better prepared for how you might handle a covered incident during your travels. If you’re looking for other card options, see our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance .

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

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the amex platinum card travel insurance any good.

While the insurance that comes on your Amex Platinum card does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, there is value in the coverages that come complimentary on the card.

Benefits such as trip interruption/cancellation/delay insurance and Amex Premium Car Rental Protection can provide economic value by saving you money should something go wrong during your travels.

Having access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could render peace of mind knowing you have the coverage should you need it.

Does the Amex Platinum card cover flight cancellations?

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance that can cover flight cancellations for only the specific (limited) reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

As with most insurance, the coverage that comes on your card is not meant to cover voluntary flight cancellations.

For these types of cancellations, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance , which can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with primary car rental insurance?

No. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard secondary car rental insurance, which means you must first file a claim with any other insurance that may apply before the card coverage is valid.

However, the card does offer a unique benefit that allows you to purchase premium primary car rental insurance for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period.

This coverage is valid for rental periods up to 42 days in length and costs $12.25 to $24.95 per period, depending on the state in which you reside and the coverage limit you select.

Does the Amex Platinum have delayed baggage insurance?

While the Amex Platinum card comes with lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, it does not offer a delayed baggage benefit.

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About Christine Krzyszton

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

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The Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

Elina Geller

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 .

Table of Contents

American Express travel insurance vs. coverage provided by AmEx cards

Complimentary travel insurance provided by amex cards, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, premium global assist, global assist hotline, standalone american express travel insurance plans, should you use the complimentary benefits or purchase a policy, amex travel insurance recapped.

You can get AmEx travel insurance via your card or as a standalone policy.

AmEx cards typically include coverage for trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, baggage and car rentals.

Coverage tends to be secondary.

Policies vary by card.

American Express has two different types of travel insurance offerings: standalone travel insurance plans that customers can purchase and travel insurance that is included as a complimentary benefit on certain cards. 

So if you’re thinking about getting travel insurance before a trip, get familiar with American Express travel insurance benefits that are included on your credit cards. Knowing what protections you already have will prevent you from spending money on a separate policy with benefits that overlap.

A standalone travel insurance policy from American Express may offer more robust coverage, but depending on your needs, the travel insurance perks provided by your AmEx card may be sufficient. 

If you primarily want specific coverage for cancellations, delays or rental cars and baggage, it’s likely your card will be enough.

If, however, you’re mainly concerned with emergency health coverage while traveling , you’re better off with a separate medical insurance policy because the benefits provided by credit cards are limited in those areas. You can purchase this from American Express directly or shop around other travel insurance companies .

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

There are six travel insurance benefits offered on many American Express cards:

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance .

Trip delay insurance .

Car rental loss and damage insurance .

Baggage insurance plans .

Premium Global Assist Hotline .

Global Assist Hotline .

Here's a closer look at each.

europe express travel insurance

Trip cancellation will protect you if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason (more below), and you will be reimbursed for any nonrefundable amounts paid to a travel supplier with your AmEx card. Bookings made with Membership Reward Points are also eligible for reimbursement. Travel suppliers are generally defined as airlines, tour operators, cruise companies or other common carriers.

Trip interruption coverage applies if you experience a covered loss on your way to the point of departure or after departure. AmEx will reimburse you if you miss your flight or incur additional transportation expenses due to the interruption. American Express considers the following to be covered reasons:

Accidental injuries.

Illness (must have proof from doctor).

Inclement weather.

Change in military orders.

Terrorist acts.

Non-postponable jury duty or subpoena by a court.

An event occurring that makes the traveler’s home uninhabitable.

Quarantine imposed by a doctor for medical reasons.

There are many reasons that are specifically called out as not covered (e.g., preexisting conditions, war, self-harm, fraud and more), so we recommend checking the terms of your coverage carefully.

If you want a higher level of coverage for trip cancellation, consider purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance . CFAR is an optional upgrade available on some standalone travel insurance plans. This supplementary benefit allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get a partial refund of your nonrefundable deposit.

Alternately, if you want what essentially amounts to CFAR insurance on your flights specifically, purchase your fares through the AmEx Travel portal and tack on Trip Cancel Guard for an extra fee. Trip Cancel Guard guarantees you an up to 75% refund on nonrefundable airfare costs when you cancel at least two days before departure, regardless of why. This isn't as comprehensive as other CFAR policies, but it can add some peace of mind for people who want the cash back (as opposed to a travel credit) for flights they may not take.

AmEx cards with trip cancellation, interruption coverage

The following American Express credit cards offer trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

Centurion® Card from American Express.

Business Centurion® Card from American Express.

The Corporate Centurion® Card from American Express.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Ameriprise Financial.

The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley.

Corporate Platinum Card®.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

Terms apply.

Covered amount

The maximum reimbursed amount for the trip cancellation benefit is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per year. The trip interruption benefit is also $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per year. Coverage is secondary and applies after your primary policy provides reimbursement. Claims must be filed within 60 days. To start a claim, call 844-933-0648.

This benefit will reimburse you for reasonable, additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed by a certain number of hours. Examples of eligible expenses include meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other charges that are deemed appropriate by American Express. It makes sense to use your judgment in terms of what will get approved based on your policy's fine print.

Acceptable delays include those that are caused by weather, terrorist actions, carrier equipment failure, or lost/stolen passports or travel documents. There are also plenty of exclusions, such as intentional acts by the traveler.

AmEx cards with trip delay insurance

The reimbursable amount depends on which card you hold, and you are allowed two claims per 12-month period. As expected, the more premium travel credit cards offer higher compensation for shorter delays. Trip delay insurance is offered on the following American Express credit cards:

When you decline the collision damage waiver offered by the car rental agency, you will be covered if the car is damaged or stolen through your AmEx Travel Insurance. Depending on the card you have, the coverage is $50,000 or $75,000.

» Learn more: How AmEx car rental insurance works

In addition, the cards offering car rental damage and theft insurance up to of $75,000 also provide secondary benefits:

Accidental death or dismemberment coverage.

Accidental injury coverage.

Car rental personal property coverage.

To qualify, you must decline the personal accident coverage and personal effects insurance provided by your car rental company.

The entire rental must be charged on the American Express credit card to receive coverage for car rental loss and damage. And keep in mind that you do still need liability insurance when making your rental car reservation (you may have this through your personal auto insurance policy), as these credit card-provided coverage options don't include personal liability.

AmEx cards with car rental coverage

American Express lists over 50 different cards on its site that come with one of the two forms of car rental insurance. Cards that link to the Tier 1 policies are the $50,000-coverage cards, and Tier 2 policies are the $75,000 cards.

The amount reimbursed is calculated as whichever is lowest:

The cost to repair the rental car.

The wholesale book value (minus salvage and depreciation).

The invoice purchase price (minus salvage and depreciation).

Here are some key exclusions to be aware of with this coverage:

These policies don't cover theft or damage that was caused by a driver’s illegal operation of the car, operation under the influence of drugs/alcohol or damage caused by any acts of war.

Policies don't cover drivers not named as "authorized drivers" on your rental agreement.

The benefit only covers car rentals up to 30 consecutive days.

Not all cars are included in the policy. Certain trucks, vans, limousines, motorcycles and campers are excluded from coverage.

Insurance protection doesn't apply in Australia, Italy, New Zealand and any country subject to U.S. sanctions .

You can file a claim online or call toll-free in the U.S. at 800-338-1670. From overseas, call collect 216-617-2500. Your claim must be filed within 30 days of the loss. Additionally, some benefits vary by state, so check the policy for your specific card.

» Learn more: The guide to AmEx Platinum’s rental car insurance

As an American Express cardholder, you are eligible to receive compensation if your luggage is lost or stolen. This benefit is in addition to what you may receive from the carrier. However, the AmEx policy is secondary, which means that it kicks in after the carrier provides any compensation for losses.

AmEx provides this insurance to "covered persons," who are defined as:

The cardmember.

Their spouse or domestic partner.

Their dependent children who are under 23 years old (there are age exceptions for handicap children).

Some business travelers (Tier 2 coverage only).

To qualify, all covered individuals need to be traveling on the same reservation and must be residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AmEx cards with baggage insurance

Naturally, the higher-end cards offer more protection — but even the basic cards have decent coverage. The compensation limits per person are as follows (note that the maximum payout per covered person for lost luggage is $3,000 on all of these cards).

Below are the limits for cardholders of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, Centurion® Card from American Express and Business Centurion® Card from American Express:

Baggage in-transit to/from common carrier: $3,000.

Carry-on baggage: $3,000.

Checked luggage: $2,000.

Combined maximum: $3,000.

High-end items: $1,000.

And here are the coverage limits for cardholders of the American Express® Gold Card , American Express® Business Gold Card , American Express® Green Card , Business Green Rewards Card from American Express , Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card , Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card , The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card :

Baggage in-transit to/from common carrier: $1,250.

Carry-on baggage: $1,250.

Checked luggage: $500.

High-end items: $250.

As of Jan. 1, 2020, the Hilton Honors American Express Card , The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express no longer offer baggage insurance protections.

AmEx also offers limited reimbursement for high-end items (coverage varies by card), such as:

Sports equipment.

Photography or electronic equipment.

Computers and audiovisual equipment.

Wearable technology.

Furs (including items made mostly of fur and those trimmed/lined with fur).

Items made fully or partially of gold, silver or platinum.

Claims must be filed within 30 days of your baggage loss. To file a claim, call 800-645-9700 from the U.S. or collect to 303-273-6498 if overseas. You can also file a claim online.

» Learn more: Compare travel insurance options: airline or credit card?

This benefit helps with events like replacing a lost passport, missing luggage assistance, emergency legal and medical referrals, and in some instances, emergency medical transportation assistance.

The service can also help you figure out important travel-related details like customs information, currency information, travel warnings, tourist office locations, foreign exchange rates, vaccine recommendations for the country you’re visiting, passport/visa requirements and weather forecasts.

AmEx cards with Premium Global Assist

Premium Global Assistance is offered on the following American Express credit cards:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

Services provided by Premium Global Assist Hotline

The hotline isn’t so much a concierge as a service that provides logistical assistance, which can include the following:

General travel advice

Emergency translation if you need an interpreter to help with legal or medical documents (cost isn't covered).

Lost item search if your belongings are lost while traveling.

Missing luggage assistance if an airline loses your luggage. The hotline will contact your airline on a daily basis on your behalf to help locate your bags.

Passport/credit card assistance if your credit card or passport is lost or stolen.

Urgent message relay if you need to contact a family member and/or friend in the event of an emergency.

Medical assistance

Emergency medical transportation assistance if the cardmember or another covered family member traveling on the same itinerary gets sick or injured and needs medical treatment (there are many conditions for this coverage; review your policy’s fine print).

Physician referral if you need a doctor or dentist (cardmember is responsible for costs).

Repatriation of remains in the event of death.

Financial assistance

Emergency wire service to get help obtaining cash (fees will be reimbursed).

Emergency hotel check in/out if your card has been lost or stolen.

Legal assistance

Bail bond assistance if you need access to an agency that accepts AmEx (cardmember is responsible for paying bail bond fees).

Embassy and consulate referral if you need help finding or accessing local embassies.

English-speaking lawyer referral if you’re traveling and need a list of available attorneys (cardmember is responsible for any legal fees).

To use this benefit, call the Premium Global Assist Hotline toll-free at 800-345-AMEX (2639). You can also call collect at 715-343-7979.

The main difference between the Global Assist Hotline and the Premium version is that some of the services that are fully covered by Premium Global Assist aren't covered in the more basic version (cited examples include emergency medical transportation assistance and repatriation of mortal remains).

AmEx cards with Global Assist Hotline access

The Global Assist Hotline is available to holders of the following cards:

American Express® Gold Card .

American Express® Business Gold Card .

American Express® Green Card .

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Card .

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card .

Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card .

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express .

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card .

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

You can call the Global Assist Hotline toll-free at 800-333-AMEX (2639), or collect at 715-343-7977.

If you don’t have any of the credit cards above and are thinking about purchasing a policy from American Express or just simply want to price compare to see if you get better perks by purchasing a policy, you can go to the AmEx travel insurance website and input your trip plans to build a quote. You’ll need to provide your departure and return date, state of residence, age of traveler, number of travelers covered by the policy and the trip cost per traveler. Then, you can select the option of choosing a package or building your own.

To see which plans are available, we input a sample $3,000, one-week trip by a 35-year-old from South Dakota. Our search result yielded four different plans ranging from $59 for a Basic plan to $208 for a Platinum plan.

europe express travel insurance

Global medical protection (not included on AmEx cards)

Medical protection includes coverage for emergency healthcare and dental costs as well as medical evacuation and repatriation of remains . The limits increase as the plans become more expensive. Although AmEx cards offer an array of travel insurance benefits, medical coverage isn't included. So if medical protection benefits are important to you, a standalone travel insurance policy is what you’ll want to look for.

Travel accident protection (not included on AmEx cards)

Another benefit not included with AmEx cards is travel accident protection. This benefit provides coverage in case of death or dismemberment while traveling . Although this is a topic no one wants to think about, it's good to be familiar with this coverage. While travel accident protection isn’t offered on the Basic plan, all of the higher plans offer it.

Standalone policy benefits that are also included on AmEx cards

These elements of coverage are offered on the AmEx cards mentioned, although in some, the limits may be higher or lower.

Trip cancellation

The Basic plan only covers a trip up to $1,000, however, all the other plans cover 100% of the trip cost. To compare this with the perks included as a benefit on the cards, all AmEx cards that include trip cancellation coverage provide up to $10,000 per covered trip. Keep in mind that, all the cards included have annual fees and the card with the lowest fee is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , with a $550 annual fee. 

Trip interruption

Trip interruption coverage ranges from $1,000 on a Basic plan to 150% of trip cost on the Gold and Platinum plans. The trip interruption benefit offered by the AmEx cards is included on all the same cards that offer trip cancellation insurance, with the trip interruption limit capped at $10,000 per covered trip. 

Global baggage protection

If your luggage is lost or stolen this benefit will provide monetary compensation to reimburse you for your lost items. AmEx cards offer baggage coverage as a complimentary benefit, with the higher-end cards naturally providing higher limits. Interestingly, the cards with the lower annual fees (i.e. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , annual fee $150 ) have a high limit as well, offering a total combined limit for lost luggage of $3,000, which is higher than the coverage offered by the standalone Platinum plan.

Global trip delay

If your trip is delayed, you’re eligible for reimbursement of any necessary expenses incurred up to a specific limit. The Basic plan doesn’t offer this benefit, but all the other plans do, with the Platinum plan providing up to $300 per day (maximum of $1,000 per trip). This coverage is also included on the higher-end AmEx cards.

AmEx cards offer key travel insurance benefits: trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, Premium Global Assist Hotline (or Global Assist Hotline). However, they don't offer any sort of emergency medical coverage. This is pretty typical of travel credit cards, as the travel insurance perks they offer don't provide coverage for emergency health care costs.

If you’re looking for emergency medical coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate policy, such as the standalone one offered by American Express. The other limits provided in the American Express travel insurance policy are comparable to what you get on the AmEx cards, so it makes sense to shop around to make sure that the benefits you’re paying for are sufficient for your needs.

» Learn more: What to know about American Express Platinum travel insurance

Yes, if you have one of the cards listed above. If you have a credit card that isn’t listed in this guide or the card is no longer available by American Express, call the number on the back of your card for more information. Generally, AmEx offers a number of travel insurance benefits on its credit cards that shouldn't be overlooked.

Yes, but it depends on which card you have. To qualify for reimbursement, the trip cancellation must be for a covered reason. Refer to the section "Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance" for a list of cards and explanations of covered reasons.

American Express offers a solid range of travel insurance protection across its credit cards, with the premium cards providing the most coverage. However, if you need insurance benefits with higher limits, we recommend purchasing a separate travel insurance policy . If you only need emergency medical coverage , there are policies that provide that as well.

Call the number on the back of your card to ask for guidance. Some benefits may require authorization from American Express before coverage kicks in, so make sure you follow all the correct steps for reimbursement.

Refer to the AmEx credit card policy for the specific benefit because it will include instructions for submitting a claim. If you cannot find the policy, you should call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card for more assistance.

Yes. American Express offers travel insurance as a benefit of some of its cards, but it also sells standalone coverage that you can purchase out-of-pocket. The latter tends to be more comprehensive and customizable to your needs.

No, you do not get automatic travel insurance with American Express. It is available as a benefit on certain cards. Refer to your terms and conditions to learn if you are covered.

American Express cards do not include medical coverage; instead, you will want to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy with medical protections, such as repatriation of remains or medical evacuation coverage .

American Express offers a solid range of travel insurance protection across its credit cards, with the premium cards providing the most coverage. However, if you need insurance benefits with higher limits, we recommend purchasing a

separate travel insurance policy

. If you only need

emergency medical coverage

, there are policies that provide that as well.

American Express cards do not include medical coverage; instead, you will want to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy with medical protections, such as

repatriation of remains or medical evacuation coverage

American Express travel insurance offers a wide array of benefits, especially on its premium cards. Knowing what benefits are available to you is important in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Determine whether an individual policy is a better fit for your risk tolerance than coverage that is included on an eligible card, then go from there.

All information about The Platinum Card® from American Express , Business Green Rewards Card from American Express , Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , Amex EveryDay® Credit Card , Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , Centurion® Card from American Express, Business Centurion® Card from American Express, The Corporate Centurion® Card from American Express, The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley, The Corporate Platinum Card® and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Platinum Card® from American Express, Business Green Rewards Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Centurion® Card from American Express, Business Centurion® Card from American Express, The Corporate Centurion® Card from American Express, The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley, The Corporate Platinum Card® and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card are no longer available through NerdWallet.

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

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

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

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

europe express travel insurance

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Established in 1990, Europe Express specializes in providing high-quality, affordable travel to Europe. They create customized itineraries at competitive prices for all of your needs including air, hotel/villa, rail and car rental, sightseeing and pre/post cruise packages. With over two decades of experience, buying offices in Europe and a knowledgeable reservations team that has experienced the destinations first-hand; you are assured to have an outstanding experience every time you work with us. Read More

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With access to both excellent reservation specialists and a dynamic online booking system, it is convenient and stress-free to create multi-city and multi -country itineraries all in one place.

Europe Express are experts serving 45,000+ travelers each year and have managed 6,000+ customized groups to Europe since 1990. Whether you are a single passenger or a group of 600, they can help create a customized itinerary to fit any budget.

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Tailoring trips that make your dreams a reality is the goal. They offer the breadth of product to help create completely customizable group and FIT itineraries that are exactly to your specifications.

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Europe Express' reservation staff are destination specialists. You can feel confident they will support you in creating a perfect vacation, especially when it’s complicated.

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We have plans. Lots of them. Why? So you can easily find the one that fits. And with our plans, it’s not just about coverage. It’s about unique services. Lost your bag? We can help track it with Bag Trak®. Or we can cover your losses if it isn’t found. It’s simple. We have the coverage options and assistance services you want for your globetrotting travels. Read More

Travel Restrictions by Sherpa What to know

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Future Cruise Credits What to know

If you are holding on tight to your Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) waiting for the perfect time and itinerary to put them back in use, many of them expire soon! Now is a great time to check the status of your FCC with an All-Travel Travel Advisor. Read More

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Starting on May 3, 2023 travelers who elect to use a state-issued driver’s license at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport checkpoints must ensure that they are Real ID-compliant, which is designated by a star in a circle in the upper right corner of the license. Read More

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#europetravelexpert, get a quote within 48 hours what kind of vacation are you planning, have a question.

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Fill out the details for your clients' vacation including dates, destinations and preferences. Once you've submitted your request, we'll create the itinerary and send it your way.

If you have less than 10 people traveling together, please submit an FIT quote. With more than 10 people traveling together, request a custom quote from our Groups Department.

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COMMENTS

  1. Group Travel Insurance Recommendation from Europe Express

    Group Travel Protection. We recommend all travel advisors offer their customers travel protection when traveling internationally. Europe Express partners with Trip Mate to offer benefits for covered trip cancellation, interruption, baggage, and many other unforeseen circumstances. To learn more, and to share the details with your customers, please visit this page or ask your sales agent for ...

  2. Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

    The OneTrip Prime plan from Allianz comes with: $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation. $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions. $500 in coverage for eligible ...

  3. Travel insurance for Europe: Coverage and policies for 2024

    The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip. This can be worth it for the medical benefits alone when traveling in Europe. Travel insurance plans ...

  4. Schengen Travel Insurance

    Schengen travel insurance. Europ Assistance makes it easy for you to select and purchase your travel insurance online. Your insurance will be ready in a matter of minutes and our insurance certificates are recognized by embassies, consulates and visa centers around the world, which helps you acquire a Schengen visa for your next trip to Europe. You will immediately receive the certificate and ...

  5. The best travel insurance policies and providers

    For a single trip, multiple trips or long term. Covered by most policies. $15/25. IMG. Single trip or multiple trips (travel insurance and travel medical insurance options are available). Waived under set conditions for travel insurance; covered but capped for single-trip travel medical insurance. $17/$94.

  6. 11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

    The Best Travel Insurance Companies. Travel Insured International - Best for Non-Medical Evacuation. WorldTrips (Atlas Journey Premier and Atlas Journey Preferred) - Great for Add-On Coverage ...

  7. Best Travel Insurance for a Europe Trip 2024

    By Leigh Morgan - Personal Finance + 1 other. Updated on FEB 13, 2024 7 Min Read. KEY TAKEAWAYS. Based on our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Europe come from Tin Leg, Generali ...

  8. Travel Insurance For Trips To Europe

    Reimbursement is usually 50% or 75% of trip costs. To use this coverage you must cancel your trip at least 48 hours in advance. You can't wake up and cancel the trip the day you're scheduled ...

  9. The Best Travel Health Insurance Companies for Europe

    Learn why you need travel insurance for Europe and how to pick the best one for your needs. Compare six of the best travel insurance companies for coverage in Europe, including students, expats, long-term travelers, adventure travelers, seniors and families. Find out the benefits and drawbacks of each plan and how to get a quote.

  10. Log In

    Working Exclusively with Travel Advisors FIT Travel: 800-927-3876 Group Travel: 800-565-7236. About Us. Sustainability Plan; Leadership Team; Sales Team; Careers; Contact Us; Testimonials; Travel Services. ... Your privacy is very important to us at Europe Express. We keep our customers' personal information safe and never provide it to third ...

  11. Best Travel Insurance of March 2024

    Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance. Travelex Travel Insurance offers three plans: Travel Basic; Travel Select; Travel America;

  12. Europe Express

    Here at Europe Express we exclusively serve travel advisors. We offer FIT and Group Travel and a variety of services. Start booking with us today. Working Exclusively with Travel Advisors FIT Travel: 800-927-3876 Group Travel: 800-565-7236. About Us. Sustainability Plan; Leadership Team; Sales Team; Careers; Contact Us;

  13. Group Travel Insurance Recommendation from Europe Express

    Help protect both you and your vacation by purchasing travel insurance. Here at Europe Express we recommend using Travelex 360. Learn more now. Working Exclusively with Travel Advisors FIT Travel: 800-927-3876 Group Travel: 800-565-7236. About Us. Sustainability Plan; Leadership Team; Sales Team; Careers; Contact Us;

  14. How To Find The Best Travel Insurance For Your Spring 2024 Trip

    "We're seeing a higher volume of travel with top international destinations including Europe—specifically Greece, Italy, U.K., France, Spain and Portugal, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, Japan ...

  15. Travel insurance Europe

    It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your Schengen Visa application. Europe Travel insurance: guarantees a coverage of up to € 100,000 (about US$ 111,000) covers travellers for up to 180 days. bears the expenses linked to emergency medical care**, hospitalisation**, sanitary repatriation** or death**.

  16. Europe Travel Insurance: Your Essential Guide to Protect Your Trip

    The cost of travel insurance for Europe can vary depending on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the coverage you need, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. On average, a basic medical insurance policy for a week-long trip to Europe can cost anywhere from €20 to €50 per person, whereas a more ...

  17. Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024

    Best Covid Travel Insurance Policies. Travel Insured - Worldwide Trip Protector. WorldTrips - Atlas Journey Premier/Atlas Journey Preferred. Seven Corners - Trip Protection Choice/Trip ...

  18. Amex Platinum: Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits [2024]

    For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card.

  19. Compare Europe Travel Insurance Quotes

    You might pay more for travel insurance if you have a pre-existing health condition. This is because there is a higher risk of you making a claim. 2 Based on quotes from £4.75 for an individual aged 30 taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Equivalent to £1.58 per day.

  20. The Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

    The maximum reimbursed amount for the trip cancellation benefit is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per year. The trip interruption benefit is also $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per ...

  21. Europe Express Group Terms and Conditions

    As an active member of the USTOA, Europe Express is required to post $1 Million with the USTOA. This amount is to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Europe Express's customers in the unlikely event of Europe Express's bankruptcy, insolvency or ...

  22. Europe Express Travel Agency

    Europe Express are experts serving 45,000+ travelers each year and have managed 6,000+ customized groups to Europe since 1990. Whether you are a single passenger or a group of 600, they can help create a customized itinerary to fit any budget. Flexibility. Tailoring trips that make your dreams a reality is the goal.

  23. Website Terms & Conditions for Europe Express

    Learn about the travel insurance options and fees for your Europe Express vacation. Find out how to book, pay, confirm, cancel, and change your travel insurance with Europe Express.

  24. Groups Frequently Asked Questions

    Find FAQs about booking a group vacation with Europe Express. If you don't see your question send us an email to [email protected] or call 800-565-7236. Working Exclusively with Travel Advisors ... Do you offer Travel Insurance? Yes. We offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance on all our programs.