best family travel insurance usa

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The Best Family Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

Find the best travel insurance policies to protect you and your loved ones on your adventures.

in under 2 minutes

Charlotte Whitaker is a content writer and PR professional currently writing for clients in the travel, tourism and recruitment industries. Coverage highlights for her PR clients include publications such as National Geographic, Forbes, Travel+Leisure, TimeOut and CNN. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling to the next destination on her bucket list or relaxing in the countryside of the north of England, which she calls home.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

If you are traveling as a family, you can protect your international vacation with travel insurance. Travel insurance helps you recover nonrefundable expenses such as airfare, hotel reservations and excursions if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave early due to an emergency. Travel insurance can also help your family cover the cost of lost baggage and emergency medical expenses.

According to our research on costs and coverage,  Travelex, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide are the top three family travel insurance options.

Compare the Best Travel Insurance for Families

Ready to start comparing travel insurance providers for families? The following are our top choices for travel insurance coverage for families.

How We Ranked Family Travel Insurance Companies

To determine the best travel insurance providers for families, we looked at the following characteristics of each insurance provider.

• Complementary children’s coverage: Select travel insurance providers offer complementary coverage for children with the purchase of an adult policy. We rated these providers highly in our review as many families will include children in travel plans.
• Cost: Next, we compared the cost of coverage for family-oriented policy choices offered by each provider. Companies with more affordable policies for a variety of traveler ages scored higher than those with more expensive plans.
• Coverage options: Travel insurance providers with more policy and add-on choices offer customers higher levels of customization. We ranked these providers above those with more limited plan offerings.
• Types of coverage: Insurance providers with multiple types of coverage included in each plan scored higher than those with more limited benefits. For example, we considered baggage benefits , travel delay compensation, medical evacuation coverage and more.
• Reimbursement limits: We prioritized recommending companies with higher maximum reimbursement limits for major policy components like trip interruption coverage and lost bags.

Top 6 Travel Insurance Plans for Families

Below is our list of the best travel insurance companies for all-inclusive resort vacations:

• Travelex : Our pick for families
• Berkshire Hathaway:   Our pick for luxury travelers.
• Nationwide Travel Insurance:  Our pick for cruise travel.
• Generali Global Assistance:  Our pick for emergency assistance.
• Allianz Global Assistance:   Our pick for concierge services.
• AXA Assistance USA:  Our pick for leisure travelers.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Pros and Cons

Why we picked travelex for families.

Travelex is our top-rated choice for family travel insurance thanks to its all-inclusive Travel Select policies. Travel Select plans include coverage for one child under the age of 17 with the purchase of an adult travel insurance policy. You could save up to 50% on coverage by purchasing a plan with Travelex if you have an equal number of children and adults traveling together.

If your family will be traveling as a group of adults, consider Travelex’s Travel Basic policy option, which is available from $60 for low-cost trips. This policy includes a host of general coverages competitive with other travel insurance providers, ranging from up to $15,000 in emergency medical coverage, $150,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and $500 in trip delay benefits. This can be a viable budget option for families looking for affordable individual protections.

Add-On Options

If you want to expand the coverage of your travel insurance plan, Travelex has the following upgrades:

• Additional medical coverage
• CFAR (cancel for any reason)
• Car rental collision
• Adventure sports cover
• Flight accidental death and dismemberment

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $200  for a Travelex plan.

To learn more: Travelex travel insurance review

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway

If your family is traveling together, you could have a higher-value vacation that you need to insure. While most insurance providers place caps on the total trip cost they will reimburse, Berkshire Hathaway offers luxury coverage with higher-than-average limits. With the Berkshire Hathaway LuxuryCare plan, you can protect each traveler with up to $100,000 in individual cancellation protection — ideal for high-value international travel.

Berkshire Hathaway’s policies are a bit more expensive than competitors, which means premiums for families will be higher as well. However, its plans are also more inclusive, with up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and up to $2,000 for trip delay expenses. Berkshire Hathaway also offers unique plans for adventure travelers and cruise-goers, with specific coverages outfitted to your planned excursions.

Berkshire Hathaway’s LuxuryCare plan covers most travel expenses, such as in a medical emergency. Add-ons are available, but this level of coverage is comprehensive for international travel for families.

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay  $168 for a Berkshire plan.

Generali Global Assistance

Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance

If you plan to visit an international destination with young children and you want to add another layer of safety, consider a travel insurance policy from Generali.

Generali Global Assistance is our top choice for international travel assistance, as all of its plans include 24/7 multilingual travel assistance that can help you while abroad. This can be a major benefit if you’re traveling to an area where you do not speak the primary language spoken, especially with young children. We also suggest considering Generali’s plans if you are looking for extra assistance planning your family’s trip, as all plans come with complimentary concierge pre-trip assistance.

• Rental car damage on standard insurance plan, up to $25,000 per person per plan
• Trip cancellation for any reason on premium travel insurance plan

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $359 for a Generali plan.

To learn more: Generali Global Assistance travel insurance review

Allianz Global Assistance

Why We Picked Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz is another top selection for families looking for free children’s coverage with adult travel insurance. The company’s OneTrip Prime policy option includes free coverage for children under the age of 17. However, you must purchase adult coverage and plan to travel with the child. Like Travelex’s family coverage, this could potentially save up to 50% on insurance costs for family vacations.

The OneTrip Prime policy is one of Allianz’s most comprehensive and inclusive options, with up to $100,000 in trip interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical protections and $1,000 for lost baggage. This policy also includes a few unique inclusions, including up to $500 in last-minute travel itinerary changes.

The following add-on options come with Allianz Global Assistance:

• Winter sports and ski insurance
• Cancel anytime upgrade

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay  $250 for a Allianz plan.

To learn more: Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance review

AXA Assistance USA

Why We Picked AXA Assistance

If you are planning to travel with your family to a remote area or partake in outdoor activities, consider AXA’s travel insurance policies . In the event of a medical evacuation or illness, AXA will arrange complimentary return transportation for a travel companion or unattended minor. In the event of a sudden medical emergency that leaves a minor unattended, AXA will arrange an escort to accompany the child and ensure their safe return home. This can be a major benefit and offer peace of mind if you’re a parent traveling alone with a minor child.

• CFAR coverage available on the platinum plan
• Collision damage waiver available on gold and platinum plans

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $276 for a AXA plan.

To learn more:   AXA travel insurance review

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance policies often offer a range of coverage options for families traveling together. These include the following:

Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage

Trip cancellation coverage refers to circumstances that may force you to cancel a vacation before departure. Trip interruption coverage applies when you may have to cut your vacation short because of unforeseen circumstances. Most insurance policies cover you in both cases.

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage reimburses you for medical costs should you have to pay for a medical emergency or need medical attention. Reimbursable events can include basic health care treatment, ambulance fees or repatriation costs in the event of a death. The maximum limit of coverage varies among insurance policies.

Baggage Loss, Delay and Damage Coverage

Most insurance policies give coverage if your luggage is delayed, lost or stolen on your family vacation (as long as the event isn’t your fault or is out of your control). The maximum coverage you can receive depends on the travel insurance policy.

If possessions within your baggage are particularly expensive or if together they add up to a high dollar amount, you may want your family insurance policy to have a larger coverage limit for baggage. You can also take out single-item coverage for something specific if it’s that valuable.

Does Standard Travel Insurance Cover Family Members?

Standard travel insurance policies cover you and your family members. The difference between standard travel insurance and family insurance is that family insurance typically covers families of two adults with at least one and up to eight children under 18.

With family travel insurance, you are offered peace of mind that your insurance policy has been crafted with families in mind to cover your needs.

Common Add-Ons

Common add-ons for travelers and families can include:

• Winter sports coverage: For those hoping to ski or snowboard and partake in winter sports activities
• Cruise coverage: For groups who will be venturing on cruises during their vacation
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage : A financial backstop if you  must cancel your vacation outside of the policy guidelines

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Families Cost?

The cost of travel insurance for families will depend on the number of family members, the location of the trip, the trip duration, and the total cost. The table below compares costs for basic coverage for a family of four going on a week-long $8,000 vacation to Mexico:

Is Family Travel Insurance Worth It?

Family travel insurance is necessary if you invest a lot of money for a grand family vacation. Knowing that you have comprehensive cover for every member of your party makes it more convenient for travels when you want protection from a range of eventualities.

With a range of family travel insurance policies available, families have ample choices to find a policy that matches their trip, coverage needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel separately on family travel insurance.

Some family policies let you travel separately, but you should check with your insurance provider and your policy terms to see if you’re covered.

Is it better to buy travel insurance as a group or individual?

Buying family and group travel insurance is much more convenient and easier to insure everyone on a trip. Group coverage is also likely to be less expensive than purchasing individual policies for every group member. Children sometimes get included for free in family policies.

Does credit card travel insurance cover a family?

You may have insurance to cover your whole family from the credit card you use to book your trip. This is something that varies by bank. You’ll need to talk to your credit card issuer to ask about travel coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Travel Insurance Companies for Families

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of April 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 8:41 a.m. UTC April 12, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans get 5 stars in our rating because of the extensive coverage they provide for the price. Both plans come with high limits for important benefits such as emergency medical and evacuation, travel delay and missed connections. WorldTrips travel insurance also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you buy a plan within 21 days of making your first trip deposit.

Best travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, WorldTrips has two top-rated travel insurance plans in our rating:

• Atlas Journey Preferred provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage. Primary coverage means you don’t have to first file a medical claim with your health insurance company. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises with $1 million in coverage for emergency evacuation.
• Atlas Journey Premier costs more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier has $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 411 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008.

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for missed connections

If you’re looking for good travel insurance for missed connections , it’s worth considering TravelSafe. Its Classic plan includes $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan. Some travel insurance companies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe doesn’t impose that restriction.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. It’s also the best trip insurance for pet parents , with an optional Pet Bundle add-on that includes pet medical, pet kennel and pet return benefits.

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Optional pet bundle adds pet medical expense and pet return benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Cruise Choice also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.  
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance searches from Jan. 1 to April 1, 2024, here are the main benefits travelers are looking for. 

Source: Squaremouth.com

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

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

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

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

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.  

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.  
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

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.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance companies

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

Best for lost baggage and personal belongings 

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

Best for customization

Travel guard® travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for trip cancellation coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for travel medical plans

Usi affinity travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for cruise insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

Travel insurance FAQs

How do i choose the best travel insurance .

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth it? 

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

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select?

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

Our methodology 

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

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

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

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

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

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

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

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

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

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

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

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

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

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

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

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

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

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

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

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

Trawick International »

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 Annual Travel Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

Buying travel insurance can be a smart move for most trips, but those who travel more than a few times a year should consider an annual travel insurance policy. Whether you regularly travel for business and/or take several vacations a year, annual travel insurance plans can help you get the coverage you need without having to price out and purchase protection every time you leave home.

If you find yourself in a situation where an annual plan makes sense, know that not all travel insurance companies offer this kind of coverage. You'll also want to consider the available annual travel insurance plans to see which options make sense for your travel style and the level of coverage you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Annual travel insurance plans all work in their own way, but the majority let travelers pay one annual premium for coverage that lasts for up to 364 days. These plans often limit the length of individual trips that are covered within the coverage year. Per-trip and annual limits on coverage can also apply.

In some cases, annual travel insurance plans require a deductible or coinsurance for certain types of coverage. If you're considering an annual travel insurance plan because you take multiple trips each year, make sure you read over the policy details and understand all coverage limits and trip limits that apply.

The cost of annual travel insurance typically varies based on factors like the age of the travelers applying, included benefits and coverage limits. You will want to shop around to compare plans across multiple providers using a platform like TravelInsurance.com or Squaremouth before you settle on a travel insurance policy.

To provide an example of the cost of annual travel insurance, U.S. News applied for a quote for two 40-year-old travelers seeking coverage for eight trips over a 12-month period. The Squaremouth travel insurance portal quoted policies with costs that range from $206 for the GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan to $610 for the Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan by Trawick International.

Annual travel insurance can be worth it if you take multiple trips each year and want to make sure you always have coverage in place. After all, the alternative to having a multitrip policy is buying a new travel insurance plan for every vacation you take. That's not always feasible for frequent travelers who are always jetting off somewhere new – often at the last minute.

Just keep in mind that annual travel insurance plans tend to come with lower coverage limits than plans for single trips, and that you'll pay a premium for coverage that comes with comprehensive benefits and high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Basic Coverage
• Seven Corners: Best for Medical
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• Trawick International: Best for the Cost

Tailor your annual travel insurance plan to your needs

Most plans include coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, medical expenses, and more

Lowest-tier plans (AllTrips Basic and AllTrips Prime) come with no or relatively low coverage limits for trip cancellation

Most annual plans (except for AllTrips Premier) do not cover trips longer than 45 days

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to $50,000
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical transportation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for lost or damaged baggage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage delays
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $1,500 ($300 daily limit)
• Rental car coverage worth up to $45,000
• Up to $50,000 in travel accident coverage
• 24-hour hotline assistance and concierge service

Annual Travel Insurance Plan offers year-round travel insurance protection

Relatively high limits for medical expenses ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000)

No trip cancellation coverage and relatively low limit ($2,500) for trip interruption coverage

No coverage for preexisting medical conditions

• Up to $2,500 in coverage for trip interruption
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for trip delays of five-plus hours ($150 per day limit)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $500
• Up to $2,500 in baggage insurance
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $1,000 for delays of at least 12 hours.
• Up to $50,000 for emergency medical expenses ($500 for emergency dental sublimit)
• Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Up to $100,000 in protection for security evacuation

Provides coverage worth up to $250,000 for emergency medical expenses

Tailor other included benefit levels to your needs

Coverage only applies to trips up to 40 days

Deductible up to $100 applies for emergency medical coverage and baggage and personal effects

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to between $2,500 and $10,000
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cancellation limit
• Up to $2,000 in trip delay coverage ($200 daily limit)
• Up to $1,000 in protection for missed connections
• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($50,000 in New Hampshire)
• $750 dental sublimit within emergency medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($100 daily limit)
• 24/7 travel assistance services

Get annual coverage for medical expenses and routine medical care

High limits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation

GeoBlue plans don't offer comprehensive travel protection

Deductibles and copays apply

• Ambulatory and therapeutic services
• Inpatient hospital services
• Emergency medical services
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Preventive and primary care

Choose among three tiers of annual travel protection

Option for basic protection with affordable premiums

No coverage for preexisting conditions

Maximum trip duration of 30 days per trip

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $2,500 maximum per year
• Trip interruption coverage up to $2,500 maximum per year
• $200 per trip for trip delays (up to $100 per day for delays of 12 hours or longer)
• Up to $500 in coverage per trip for baggage and personal effects
• Baggage delay coverage up to $100 per trip
• Up to $10,000 for emergency medical expenses per trip
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage per trip
• Up to $10,000 in AD&D coverage
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert who has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – within their family media business and travel agency .

You might also be interested in:

The 5 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans

Holly Johnson

Explore the options to protect your family wherever you roam.

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

The 6 Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

Protect your trip and give yourself peace of mind with the top options.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

Advertiser Disclosure

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For the Frequent Traveler: The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

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GeoBlue Trekker Choice

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If you take multiple trips every year, insuring each one can be a hassle. There are forms to fill out, comparison shopping over and over again, and then remembering the policy documents for each specific trip. And then there’s the risk you might forget to take out travel insurance for one of your trips.

Plus, those costs add up. There must be a better way.

Enter annual travel insurance. Also known as multi-trip travel insurance, taking out an annual policy covers you for a whole year of travel. Not only is it simpler, it may be cheaper than taking out multiple single-trip policies. But is it right for you?

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t exactly the same as the trip insurance you’d buy for a weeklong holiday with your family. Here are the best annual travel insurance policies, what they do and don’t cover, and how to decide whether taking out a yearly policy might be right for you.

The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

GeoBlue offers 2 Trekker plans for annual coverage, which are unique in several ways. These plans cover preexisting conditions, COVID-19, and all travel outside the U.S.

However, they don’t cover any trips inside the U.S. or provide any coverage for canceled, delayed, or interrupted trips. Instead, these are travel medical insurance plans . With the GeoBlue Trekker Choice plan , you’ll get higher maximum payouts in all categories and pay a lower deductible ($100). However, note that this is still secondary coverage .

You’ll get unlimited access to telemedicine and coverage for trips up to 70 days in length . Additionally, coverage is available up to age 95, which isn’t offered on most other policies.

The GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan offers the same pros and cons as the Choice plan. The main differences are the lower maximum payout values and the higher deductible ($200 instead of $100). You also won’t get the Choice plan’s lost baggage and personal effects coverage, which can provide up to $500 per trip. Again, this secondary medical insurance policy is only valid on trips outside the U.S.

Trawick International offers 2 annual plans, and the Safe Travels Annual Basic plan is more economical. You’ll have coverage for everything you expect in a trip insurance policy , such as 100% coverage for trip cancellation or interruption (up to a $2,500 annual maximum) and coverage for delays, lost luggage, delayed luggage, and even medical expenses. To make up for the lower cost of the plan, coverage limits are lower than what you’ll find elsewhere . However, if you want peace of mind while traveling, you can get it for a year and cover trips up to 30 days in length.

While Trawick International’s Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan offers higher maximum coverage limits than the Basic plan, its maximum payouts for medical and evacuation benefits are lower than what you’ll find with competitors . Where this plan shines is in the coverage for change fees, lost deposits on tours, and coverage for lost items if an airline misplaces your luggage.

You’ll be covered for up to $300 per trip for prepaid excursions, up to 100% of your trip cost (with an annual maximum of $5,000) for trip cancellations or interruptions, and up to $150 per item and $750 per trip for personal effects. After signing up for a plan, you’ll also get a 10-day free look period.

If you want an annual plan with a low price tag , this could be what you’re looking for. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Basic plan covers you for unlimited trips up to 45 days each over the course of a year. Coverage includes emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss and delays, travel delays, rental car theft and damage, and travel accident coverage.

However, there’s a fair list of exclusions from this plan . That includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connections, and change fees. As the name implies, you’ll get basic coverage at a basic price.

The Allianz Travel AllTrips Prime option covers 365 days of trips, though the maximum trip length is just 45 days. While you’ll get coverage for all the standard travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, delays, and baggage mishaps, there are limits you should know about with this plan.

The travel accident coverage, which applies to death or the loss of a limb, maxes out at $25,000 per trip, baggage delay maxes out at $200, and baggage loss or damage maxes out at $1,000. The maximum coverage for emergency medical is $20,000, and costs can exceed that quickly in a true emergency.

However, this is a decent option if you want a fair amount of coverage across numerous categories without a high price tag.

For those worried about expensive business equipment or losing points and miles, this plan has you covered. On top of higher maximum payouts in categories such as trip cancellation, emergency medical transportation, or travel delays, you’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage, change fee coverage, and reimbursement for renting business equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed during a trip.

Moreover, you can be reimbursed up to $500 to cover fees for reinstating your points and miles if a covered trip is canceled or interrupted. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Executive plan also provides coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy at least 14 days before the first trip.

Allianz also has a customizable AllTrips Premier plan , allowing you to choose between several payout tiers for trip cancellation and interruption. You’ll pay more when choosing higher maximums, but this allows you to choose exactly what you want in coverage and not pay for more than you need. Another positive is coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy your policy at least 14 days before your first trip.

You’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage , $500,000 of emergency medical transportation coverage, $50,000 of emergency medical, and coverage for travel delay expenses after a delay of 6 hours or more. The baggage delay coverage is up to $2,000, but it requires a delay of 12 or more hours. The maximum trip length allowed is 90 days.

The AIG Travel Guard Annual Travel Insurance plan isn’t available to Washington state residents. Still, it provides coverage for trip interruption, trip delay, lost baggage, delayed baggage, and missed connections, as well as both medical and security evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel medical expenses. However, the coverage limit for dental is just $500, and the maximum coverage for travel medical expenses is just $50,000. Those are lower limits than other plans. Additionally, trip cancellation isn’t included.

However, Travel Guard has some strengths. Trip delay coverage applies for up to 10 days and requires a delay of just 5 hours, and the missed connection benefit applies after just 3 hours. You get a “free look” period of up to 15 days to cancel for a refund, so long as you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim. Maximum coverage for any particular trip is 90 days.

USI Affinity’s Voyager plan has a Silver and Gold option , and pricing is easy to determine from the chart. Simply find your age bracket and the associated cost. The key differences between the plans are in the higher maximum payouts for nearly every coverage type with the Gold plan, other than emergency dental and accidental death and dismemberment. However, the Gold plan also includes coverage types the Silver plan doesn’t: political and natural disaster evacuation, airline ticket change fees, and trip interruption. However, trip cancellation isn’t included with either plan .

The maximum trip length is 90 days, and coverage for Silver and Gold plans lasts for 364 days. An unlimited number of international and domestic trips are covered, and you’re covered for trips as little as 100 miles from home. That’s a lower requirement than most other plans (which tend to require 150 miles).

This plan is ideal for those who don’t live in the U.S., as other plans on this list are only available to U.S. residents and citizens. While the plan technically lasts for 364 days, Seven Corners’ Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip plan is customizable. It lets you choose a maximum trip length of 30, 45, or 60 days and include or exclude coverage for the U.S. Note U.S. citizens and residents cannot add coverage for inside the U.S.

Seven Corners also provides coverage for travelers aged 14 to 75 years, though maximum payouts decrease in some categories for those aged 65 and older. If you receive medical care in the U.S., Seven Corners will pay 90% of the first $5,000 of covered expenses and 100% of the cost afterward. You’re covered 100% outside the U.S. Note that coverage doesn’t apply to your home country (which includes the U.S. if you’re a citizen, even if you live in another country) and isn’t available in Antarctica, Cuba, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, Syria, or Ukraine.

We considered another plan. Here’s why this annual travel insurance policy didn’t make our “best of” list.

IMG Patriot Multi-Trip International : For trips inside the U.S., you may be on the hook for 20% of your medical expenses if you visit a provider outside IMG’s PPO network. Additionally, the maximum trip length is 30 days, and coverage limits are quite low in multiple categories. These include $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation and $10,000 for political evacuation, a maximum of $50 per item and $250 overall for lost luggage, a $100 maximum for dental treatment, and $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment 24/7 coverage.

Annual travel policy plans vary considerably. Most provide secondary medical insurance, so you may need to submit to your other coverage (home healthcare plan, credit card insurance provider, etc.) first and then submit to your travel insurance provider for any remaining expenses or deductibles. If you won’t have other coverage, you may want to look for a plan that provides primary health coverage instead. Also, understand that most plans provide reimbursement, so you would pay out of pocket for overseas hospital visits and then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement after the fact.

What Is Annual Travel Insurance?

Annual travel insurance covers you for many trips over the course of a year (or sometimes 364 days). Rather than needing to buy a travel insurance policy for each trip separately — which can add up — you can buy a single policy that covers all your trips for the next year. It’s important to understand the terms of these policies, though. Some may require buying coverage in advance, such as 14 days before your first trip, while that requirement normally doesn’t exist on single-trip travel insurance.

It’s also important to note which types of trips and destinations are covered by your policy — and which aren’t. Look for how far from home you must travel to be covered and whether domestic trips are included. Moreover, consider what benefits you’re looking for. These can vary from medical-only to all the bells and whistles, such as baggage delay and medical evacuation. Once you know the type of coverage you want, you can find a policy or policies that align with your needs, helping you narrow down your options to conduct a more effective comparison.

Annual travel insurance works as an umbrella policy, covering all your trips during the policy period. You don’t need to inform the policy provider about each trip’s start and stop dates or destinations. You simply buy a policy, and then you’re protected for every trip that meets the conditions while your policy is in effect. Some regions may be excluded from coverage, and you may be subject to a maximum trip length.

Trip length is an important element to pay attention to. Annual travel insurance doesn’t cover you for a year-long trip. It covers you for a year for many small trips within that time, typically up to 30 or 45 days per trip. If you’re looking for a plan to cover you during a year-long trip to another country, you should look for specialized plans for study abroad, mission work, or other situations that apply to you. Traveling full-time? You may need a policy geared toward digital nomads and backpackers.

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and determine that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than that of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want.

Considering that single-trip plans can sometimes be found for $10, yet an annual trip is likely to cost $150 or more per adult, you’d need 15 trips to justify the annual policy. However, that’s not really an apples-to-apples comparison, as a $10 basic travel insurance policy won’t provide as much coverage as you’re likely to find on even the most basic of annual policies.

It’s also not just about the number of trips you take but the types of trips, the complexity of the trips, and money at risk in nonrefundable costs. The more of these you foresee in your next year of travels, the more likely an annual plan would be good for you.

We already highlighted that annual policies don’t cover traveling nonstop for a year due to their restrictions on the maximum trip length. Annual travel insurance policies also restrict how far you must travel for coverage to kick in. Driving to the next town over may be a trip in your kids’ eyes, but it’s probably not far enough for your travel insurance to kick in.

While coverage varies by policy, you’ll typically have coverage for sickness, accidental death and dismemberment, lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellation, and possibly injuries during skiing or snowboarding. However, it’s important to read the terms of each policy because coverage maximums and inclusions vary widely. Some policies only provide medical coverage, while others offer robust coverage across the board.

Each policy specifies a maximum trip length. How trips longer than that are treated can vary. Most policies won’t cover any expenses related to a trip longer than the maximum trip length. Suppose you take a trip of 41 days on a policy with a maximum of 40 days. In that case, claims for delayed luggage or medical expenses may be rejected when the claim evaluator asks for your trip confirmation details.

However, GeoBlue covers the first 70 days of any particular trip. If something goes wrong during that time, you’re covered. You’re on your own for anything that happens on days 71 or beyond. Still, you’re covered on those first 70 days, despite taking a longer trip.

If you foresee long trips in the future, make sure you understand these rules.

For some travelers, yes, annual travel insurance is worth it. For others, it’s not.

Annual travel insurance is worth it when it costs less than what you’d pay to insure each trip individually. It’s also worth it if you think you might forget to purchase some of those individual policies throughout the year and would prefer to be done with them for another 365 days.

However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few trips a year, they’re mostly domestic, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses. If you’re traveling within the U.S. with your standard health insurance policy in effect and you have credit cards that provide trip insurance for delays or cancellations, that coverage may be sufficient.

Costs will vary by your home state, age, and number of people included in the policy. Here are the “starting at” costs for our best annual travel insurance policies, sorted from lowest to highest:

Yes and no. Using a credit card to pay for your trip can provide some built-in protections. However, you should be mindful of annual maximums on any policy. You may run into limitations such as a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period or similar exclusions. If you take many trips, that could be an issue.

To better understand what is and isn’t covered, check out our complete guide to credit card insurance .

To choose the right policy, look beyond the cost alone. Rather than immediately choosing the cheapest policy, find the policy or policies that provide the coverage types you want with payout maximums that cover your travel plans for the next year — both confirmed bookings and likely plans.

Consider your coverage needs. Will you be carrying expensive items such as scuba equipment for a trip to the Galapagos or top-notch camera lenses for a bird-watching tour in Papua New Guinea? How many extreme sports will you participate in?

Conversely, how many “never heard of this airline before” flights will you take to get off the beaten path? These are flights where you may be worried about cancelations that lead to extra costs or a misplaced suitcase.

Consider the types of trips you’ll take and the up-front money at risk if something goes wrong or you get delayed, then look at which plans align with your travels. From there, choose the best plan that aligns best with your needs, which may or may not be the cheapest one.

As an annual travel policy holder myself, I promise you that having the right plan is important when you wind up in a remote hospital in Tanzania with malaria.

Annual travel insurance isn’t right for everyone. However, it makes sense for those who travel often and could save money by taking out a single policy instead of many separate policies. It also makes sense if you’d prefer to avoid filling out paperwork numerous times throughout the year for each trip.

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t great for those who tend to travel closer to home, don’t have major nonrefundable travel expenses, or need to customize coverage for each trip because their travels tend to vary. For example, you might need different coverage for a backcountry ski trip with friends versus a 2-hour drive with your family.

Look at what annual policies do and don’t cover and see if these align with your travel goals and needs. Then, consider the prices for the plans that align well with your situation. After taking an informed look, you should have a good idea of whether an annual policy is right for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yearly travel insurance worth it.

For some, yes. For others, no. Annual travel insurance is worth it when the cost is less than what you’d pay to insure each trip separately or you would prefer to just sign up once then be done for a year. However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few, mostly domestic, trips a year where your healthcare coverage works, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses.

How much does annual trip insurance cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of coverage you want. Annual travel insurance plan costs range from $140 to $500 for a single person. If you take a lot of trips, the cost can be worth it over the course of a year, but each person’s situation is different.

When should I take out annual travel insurance?

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than the cost of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want. Look at the different types of coverage and your expected costs for insuring each trip separately, then see if it makes sense for you.

Does annual travel insurance automatically renew?

It varies by policy provider, but some companies have an auto-renew feature to ensure you don’t have gaps in coverage.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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4 Best Travel Insurance for the USA in 2024

Home | Travel | North America | United States | 4 Best Travel Insurance for the USA in 2024

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Choosing the right travel insurance for the United States can be a bit tricky. After all, it depends on several factors like your age, the purpose of your trip, and how long you’ll be visiting the U.S. You can even find policies for U.S. citizens who are living abroad and coming back to the States for a visit.

However, if you’re looking for insurance for U.S. residents traveling within the country or coverage for Americans traveling abroad, you should read our guides on domestic travel insurance and travel insurance for Americans .

Best Travel Insurance for the USA in 2024

When it comes to the best travel insurance for parents visiting the USA , those studying abroad in the United States, individuals coming here for work, and tourists, there are a few great options. I’ll tell you upfront that Heymondo is the overall best holiday insurance for the USA . It offers single-trip and multi-trip insurance plans, making it a great option for all kinds of travelers.

Plus, Heymondo is the only tourist health insurance in the USA that pays your medical expenses upfront instead of having you pay out-of-pocket and file a claim to get reimbursed. This is imperative in a country like the United States, where healthcare is incredibly costly. If you decide to go with Heymondo, click our link below to get a discount on Heymondo insurance .

5% OFF your travel insurance

Of course, there are other good USA travel insurances on the market. SafetyWing is the second-best choice and a cheaper alternative to Heymondo. I’ll cover these companies and more in this guide, including what your policy should cover, so keep reading.

Best insurance for travel to the U.S. in 2024

If there’s a country where having travel insurance is essential, it’s the United States. However, finding the best travel insurance for the USA isn’t always straightforward since it depends on the reason for your trip. Maybe you’re only visiting for a few weeks, or perhaps you’ve come here to work or study abroad. Don’t worry because this guide will help you choose the perfect coverage plan for your needs.

In a nutshell, these are the 4 best U.S. travel insurance companies :

• Heymondo , the best travel insurance for the USA
• SafetyWing , a cheap travel insurance to the USA
• IMG Global , another good travel insurance for visitors to the USA
• Trawick International , the best U.S. travel insurance for students

Cost of travel health insurance for the USA

Before we delve into the best travel insurance companies for the U.S. , here is a pricing chart to help you quickly compare each option. Remember, the cost of travel health insurance for the USA depends on various factors like the duration of your trip, your age, how much coverage you want, and whether you’re purchasing medical-only insurance.

For this USA travel insurance comparison , I used the example of a 30-year-old British citizen visiting the U.S. for two weeks, with a trip cost of $2,500:

While SafetyWing is the cheapest USA travel insurance , it has a $250 deductible and limited travel-related benefits.

Heymondo costs a bit more than IMG Global and Trawick International , but it offers excellent medical expense coverage, which is super important for the USA. Also, it’s the only American travel insurance that pays your medical bills upfront , so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and file a claim for reimbursement.

For us, it’s worth spending a bit more for a much higher amount of coverage, but you can decide for yourself after reading about each of these companies below .

1. Heymondo , the best travel insurance for the USA

Whether you’re taking a short vacation, studying abroad for a few months, or starting a new job here, Heymondo is the best travel insurance for visitors to the USA .

There are several reasons why Heymondo travel insurance is one of the best options on the market. First of all, they have a variety of plans, including single-trip insurance, annual multi-trip insurance , and medical-only travel insurance.

Not only that, but Heymondo is the only travel insurance company that pays your medical expenses upfront instead of making you pay for it yourself and then file a claim for reimbursement. This is especially important in the United States, where healthcare expenses are through the roof.

Another advantage of Heymondo is its excellent price-to-coverage ratio. Whenever we’ve compared U.S. travel insurance , Heymondo has always come out on top for offering competitive prices while matching or even exceeding similar insurances’ coverage.

We’ve had a great experience using Heymondo on all our most recent trips. Not having to deal with the hassle of paying out-of-pocket for accidents and injuries has been amazing, and the 24/7 customer support app has been wonderful in helping us stay informed and calm in emergencies. Our family always buys Heymondo’s medical insurance for USA visitors whenever they come to see us, and they love it, too.

This is easily one of the best travel insurance companies of 2024 , so if you want to purchase a policy, use our link below to get a discount on Heymondo .

2. SafetyWing , a cheap travel insurance to the USA

If you’re on a budget, SafetyWing is the best choice for cheap travel insurance to the USA . It offers a good amount of medical-related coverage, which is crucial in a country like the United States, where even a simple doctor’s visit can be expensive.

Whether you’re traveling for pleasure, work, or studying, SafetyWing is one of the overall best medical-only travel insurance options. Its plans are specifically tailored for travelers who want comprehensive medical coverage (hospital stays, ambulance transportation, emergency dental service, etc.) Plus, there is the option to automatically renew your plan every month until you choose an end date, so you never have to travel without coverage.

While this is one of the best tourist health insurances for the USA , it doesn’t have as many travel-related benefits. It also has a $250 deductible , so you’ll be responsible for paying that amount yourself before medical benefits kick in.

As an alternative, Heymondo has medical-only travel insurance for USA visitors , as well as comprehensive plans for health- and travel-related coverage. Moreover, there is a $0 deductible with Heymondo, and the company pays your medical bills upfront, so you don’t have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement.

3. IMG Global , another good travel insurance for visitors to the USA

IMG Global is another USA visitors travel insurance worth looking into. This company has a wide range of plans to appeal to different types of travelers. For example, you can find a policy if you’re a U.S. expat coming back to the States for a visit, a foreign exchange student in the U.S., a parent visiting your child in the USA, a remote worker, or a tourist.

Patriot America Plus is one of IMG Global’s policies and a good choice for those looking for one of the best comprehensive USA travel insurance plans. It includes a high amount of emergency medical expense coverage, as well as accidental death, evacuation, natural disaster coverage, and lost luggage protection. There is even coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers under age 70.

The Patriot Exchange Program is a USA health insurance for international students , particularly those who meet the US J1 and J2 visa requirements. This plan covers many medical expenses, including hospital room and board, physician visits, prescriptions, urgent care, emergency room visits, and more.

It’s also worth noting that IMG Global is known as one of the best trip cancellation insurance companies, and it has excellent Cancel-For-Any-Reason insurance . I recommend getting a quote since prices vary depending on your choice of deductible and how much maximum coverage you want.

4. Trawick International , another great holiday insurance for the USA

Speaking of studying in the U.S. , Trawick International is another one of the best international travel insurances for students .

For example, the International Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation and Repatriation plan is designed for students who want to save money and just have coverage for emergency evacuation to their home country.

There is also the Collegiate Care plans, which include the Essential, Enhanced, Elite, and Exclusive tiers. They range in terms of maximum coverage limits and deductibles, but they all offer health-related benefits like emergency medical expense coverage, accidental death, and evacuation. You can also choose your deductible ($0, $100, $250, $500, $1,500).

Another one of Trawick International’s American health insurances for visitors is the Safe Travels Voyager plan. It includes your choice of deductible, $500,000 in emergency medical expense coverage, $2,000,000 for evacuation and repatriation, $5,000 for trip interruption, and a $1,000 baggage loss benefit. However, this policy doesn’t include trip cancellation coverage.

A company that does include trip cancellation benefits is Heymondo . Its long-term travel insurance is suitable for students on a budget as well as remote workers, American expats, and tourists. For just a bit more money, you can get a higher amount of coverage with no deductible and no need to pay anything out of pocket since Heymondo pays your medical bills upfront.

Is travel insurance for the United States mandatory?

Having travel insurance isn’t a requirement for entering the United States, but it’s a very good idea to get a USA travel insurance policy.

If you’re worried about the cost of USA travel health insurance , consider that American healthcare is super expensive. An insurance policy pretty much pays for itself after just one trip to the doctor or urgent care center. It’s much better to pay upfront for USA tourist travel insurance than shell out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for medical attention.

To give you a better idea of the average cost of medical care in the U.S., here is a chart with some of the most common services:

The average cost for an urgent care visit in the United States without insurance is $175 . That’s more than twice the amount of the USA visitors medical insurance plans in this article. I’d say it’s definitely worth investing in a policy!

Even if you’re on a strict budget, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that can give you the protection you need without breaking the bank.

What should U.S. travel insurance cover?

Before you buy travel insurance for the USA , it’s important to know what your policy should include. Below, you’ll find the must-have coverage you should look for when comparing USA travel insurance :

Emergency medical expense coverage

First, emergency medical expense coverage is crucial, especially considering the steep price of U.S. healthcare and services. Don’t risk paying out of pocket for a trip to an urgent care center or hospital! With this benefit, you’ll be covered for those doctor visits, as well as tests and treatments, depending on the policy terms.

Evacuation and repatriation

This type of coverage is important if you need to return to your home country for treatment after falling seriously ill. All the best travel medical insurance for USA visitors includes this benefit.

Trip cancellation, interruption, and delays

Whether it’s a cancelled flight or an illness that disrupts your trip, this type of benefit will make sure you’re covered. If you want this type of coverage, make sure you get a USA travel insurance policy with travel-related benefits, not just medical.

Baggage loss, theft, or damage

Replacing clothes and toiletries can get expensive, so a policy with baggage loss coverage can help you replace your precious items without shelling out your own money.

FAQs – Travel insurance for the United States

Finally, here are some common questions about travel insurance for the USA :

Is travel insurance for the USA worth it?

Absolutely. Having travel insurance for the United States is totally worth it since just one doctor’s visit could end up costing you a ton of money.

Is travel insurance for the USA mandatory?

No, travel insurance for the USA is not mandatory, but I highly recommend it, especially since healthcare in the United States is incredibly expensive.

Can a tourist get health insurance in the USA?

Yes. Tourist health insurance in the USA is available from several companies, such as the ones in this article.

The best travel medical insurance for visitors to the USA should include coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage loss.

What’s the best travel insurance for USA visitors?

Overall, the best travel health insurance for the USA is Heymondo . It has a $0 deductible, a great price-to-coverage ratio, and no upfront, out-of-pocket medical payments.

What happens if you get sick while visiting the USA?

If you get sick while visiting the U.S. and you need to go to the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or doctor, you’ll have to present your insurance. Depending on your insurance policy, your medical expenses may be covered or partially covered.

How much does travel health insurance in the USA cost?

You can find cheap travel insurance for the USA for as little as around $40 a week. The price depends on things like your age, the duration of your trip, and the amount of coverage you need.

Can you buy insurance for your trip to the USA after arriving in the United States?

Yes, but it may take a day or two for the coverage to go into effect, so if you get sick during the interim, you won’t be covered.

In conclusion, having travel insurance for a trip to the USA is always a good idea. Plus, there are USA holiday insurance plans for any kind of trip, traveler, and budget.

We consider Heymondo to be the overall best insurance for travel to the USA . With its affordable prices and extensive coverage, it’s a great value for money. It’s also the only insurance that pays your medical expenses upfront, so you don’t have to cover the cost of ridiculously priced healthcare and then file a claim for reimbursement.

If you decide to go with Heymondo, don’t forget to take advantage of our Heymondo discount code below.

Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below if you have any other questions about travel insurance for visitors to the USA . I’d be happy to help you out!

Stay safe, and have a great trip to the States!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 4 Best Travel Insurance for the USA in 2024 ”

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Best International Travel Insurance for April 2024

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If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TraveSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Which company has the best international travel insurance?

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

Is international health insurance the same as travel insurance?

International health insurance and travel insurance serve different purposes. While both may cover medical expenses, international health insurance provides long-term health insurance for working abroad. Meanwhile, travel insurance offers short-term coverage for the duration of your trip. 

What insurance do you need for international travel?

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel?

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 4 best travel cribs for babies and toddlers in 2024.

Finalize your decision with one of these four travel cribs.

The Best Travel Cribs

Courtesy of Guava Family

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is so compact, you can wear it like a backpack.

There are an increasing number of travel cribs on the market these days, and nearly all of them are touted to have a lightweight design and an easy setup, which makes it overwhelming to choose the right one for your pint-sized travel partner.

Taking into consideration key factors like safety, comfort and convenience for travel – as well as recent consumer reviews, expert recommendations and our own experiences – we've chosen the best travel cribs for babies and toddlers.

Best Overall: Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Lightweight: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

• Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard

Best for Toddlers: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Note: All travel crib dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.

Highlights:

• Especially convenient for air travel, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib can be worn like a backpack in an included carrying case with padded straps, then checked as a bag.
• The Guava Lotus is GreenGuard Gold Certified , which means its emission levels are even lower (and better) than industry standards.
• It doubles as a bassinet and playard featuring a zippered door for easy access to your baby.

Setup: The Guava Lotus is easy to set up. The sturdy aluminum frame's hinges swiftly snap in place with the touch of a button. Once the frame is assembled, a fabric cover with mesh sides can be zipped on before you place the included waterproof mattress with a sheet (which is not included) inside. Then the mattress is secured to the frame via a buckle on each corner. When it's time to take the crib down, you don't have to disassemble the entire thing – another reason to love this option.

YouTube tutorial: Guava Lotus Setup | Guava Lotus Teardown

Maintenance: The mattress is easy to wipe down, and the crib's fabric portion is machine-washable.

"I've taken this crib all across the world over the past three years, and it still looks as good as new. We initially bought this crib because we were wary of using hotel cribs during COVID. We quickly fell in love with it and still bring it on every trip we take. Additionally, we purchased the optional sun shade, which came in handy on beach trips in our daughter's infant days." – Tamiz Ahmed , co-founder of Poppylist

Courtesy of BabyBjörn

• If you're specifically looking for something lightweight, meet your match: The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market.
• The crib comes with a mattress and carrying bag.
• All materials meet OEKO TEX Standard 100, Class 1 standards for baby products – meaning the crib permeates low levels of chemicals and is also free from as many as 350 harmful chemicals, making it safe for a baby's skin and curious mouth.

Setup: The frame of the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is assembled in one swift motion. Next, the mattress is placed inside and secured to the crib's legs. When it's time to put the crib away, the mattress and crib frame easily fold down.

YouTube tutorial: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Setup | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 1 | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 2

Maintenance: The mattress can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and both the mattress cover (which can be zipped off) and the other fabric on the crib are machine-washable.

Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go Playard with Bassinet

Courtesy of Graco

• This crib comes with a full-size bassinet insert that folds with the playard when it's time to transport or put away the crib.
• The crib also has a toy bar with soft toys to amuse your curious baby.
• A carry case is included with this crib.

Setup: First, hit the crib's push buttons to assemble the frame. Once the four rails are locked, you can push the crib floor down before placing the mattress inside. Finally, secure the mattress straps (on the bottom) to the playard. To disassemble, you'll reverse the process almost exactly: Unfasten the mattress straps, remove the mattress, pull the tab at the bottom of the crib and – using the push buttons – fold the crib down.

YouTube tutorial: Graco On the Go Playard Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The crib can be wiped down with mild soap and water, while the carry bag is machine-washable.

" The Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard offers all the bells and whistles of other travel cribs, but at a far more affordable price ($80 vs. $150-$300). In particular, the removable bassinet is a game-changer during those early weeks of parenthood. My family used it during our first two weeks home with our daughter, and I appreciated that it provided a safe sleep space but didn't require me to bend over and stress my sore body. After that, we moved it to my mom's house and, even though it's super easy to fold and store, she keeps it out because it doesn't take up a lot of space." – Leah Rocketto , Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect

Courtesy of hiccapop

• Long and tall bumpers ensure your little one won't roll off the bed.
• It inflates with an included electric pump and rolls up into an included carry bag.
• The bed comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and top-notch customer service.

Setup: The setup for this toddler travel bed is similar to that of a traditional air mattress – simply use the included electric pump to inflate the bed frame with rails and a mattress pad.

YouTube tutorial: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel bed can be wiped down with soap and water.

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Guava Lotus vs. Baby Björn

When choosing the best travel crib to purchase, the final decision for many buyers often comes down to the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light since they're so similar.

If you're undecided between the two, see which crib wins in the following categories:

Your decision may ultimately come down to the type of traveler you are. If you frequently travel (especially by plane), the Guava Lotus is the best choice.

Guava Lotus vs. Newton Travel Crib

Many people also compare the Guava Lotus with the Newton Travel Crib, a newcomer to the travel crib market. The Newton Travel Crib mimics the Guava Lotus almost exactly, but here are some key differentiators (and the reasons we ultimately recommend the Guava Lotus instead):

• Price: At $299, the Newton Travel Crib is about $50 more than the Guava Lotus.
• Weight: The Newton Travel Crib is also 2 pounds heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 17 pounds.
• Setup: While the Newton Travel Crib is easy to set up, many buyers say that disassembly is difficult.

Travel Crib Accessories

When purchasing a travel crib, think about the other essentials your baby will need for restful naps and nights in your destination – especially since they'll be in an unfamiliar environment. These might include:

Room-darkening curtains: If your little one is accustomed to sleeping in a pitch-black room at home, you'll want to ensure your hotel room or vacation rental bedroom is as dark as possible. There are a few ways to do this:

• Use foil and duct tape:  It won't look pretty, but covering the windows with foil and duct tape is a cost-effective option.
• Invest in a Slumberpod:  The highly rated  SlumberPod  ($180) is essentially a tent that goes over the travel crib, ensuring total darkness for a peaceful night's rest. For a cheaper alternative, check out the  Dofilachy Blackout Cover  on Amazon.
• Buy portable blackout curtains:  Purchase a set of curtains that won't take up too much space in your luggage. These  portable blackout curtains from Amazon Basics  are highly rated and come with a storage bag.

White noise machine: Even if you already have a white noise machine you plan to pack, you might consider buying an additional, more portable option to use in tandem with it – especially if you'll be in a small space with older siblings who stay up later. U.S. News editors say they've had good experience with both the Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine (also useful for stroller rides) and this option by Magicteam .

Portable fan:  A small battery- or USB-powered fan is a useful accessory when traveling with little ones – you can attach it to the travel stroller and car seat on hot days and secure it to the travel crib on warm nights. There are a variety of affordable, well-rated stroller fans on Amazon, including this adjustable option by AMACOOL .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a family travel expert who regularly travels with her toddler. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, she excitedly bought the Guava Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib and – despite its hefty price tag – never regretted it once.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Diaper Bag Backpacks
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Family Vacations in the U.S.
• The Best Spring Break Family Destinations
• The Best Family Travel Insurance

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Family Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Best term life insurance for 2024

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Best term life insurance companies

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

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

Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily

See which provider is right for you.

Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider customer satisfaction scores and financial strength ratings

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

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

Consider your personal situation

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

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

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

Compare multiple quotes

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

How does term life insurance work?

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

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

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

What factors impact my life insurance premium?

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

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

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

Is term life insurance cheaper than whole life insurance?

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