The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
The Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
After reviewing dozens of providers operating throughout the U.S., we named Travelex the best company for travel insurance. Here are our best travel insurance recommendations to help you find one to suit your needs:
- Travelex Insurance: Our top pick
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Best for baggage coverage
- AIG Travel Guard: Best for families
- Faye: Best cancel for any reason coverage
- WorldTrips: Most affordable comprehensive coverage
- Generali Global Assistance: Best for trip interruption coverage
- Seven Corners: Best for visitors to the U.S.
- AEGIS: Best for immediate reimbursement
- Travel Insured International: Best for evacuation coverage
Best Travel Insurance Companies in Detail
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
We chose Travelex as our overall pick for the best travel insurance company thanks to its above-average scores in all rating categories across our methodology. In addition, the provider has made several of our top travel insurance lists. This includes best travel insurance for families, as Travelex includes children under 17 for free with the purchase of an adult policy. However, note that the provider’s Travel Basic plan lacks this extended coverage for children.
Travelex also topped our list of best long-term travel insurance providers with its Travel Select policy, which can cover travelers for up to a year abroad with no primary health insurance requirement. While our research found that most providers with long-term policies don’t offer trip cancellation or cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, Travelex’s Travel Select plan does, making it stand out compared to other insurers with this type of travel insurance plan.
Flat-rate policies available from $60 per person
Includes emergency evacuation as a standard coverage
Offers an adventure sports waiver
Includes a $15,000 medical limit on the lowest coverage tier
Only offers up to 50% in cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
Travelex holds a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Squaremouth with over 2,000 confirmed customer reviews.
How Travelex Scored in Our Methodology:
| Ratings Category | Travelex | Average of Providers Reviewed |
| Overall | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Coverage times and amounts | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Coverage details | 5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer service and reviews | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cost | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Travelex’s base plan, the Travel Basic coverage, includes 100% protection for both trip cancellation and interruption. It also includes $15,000 worth of emergency medical coverage, $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and $500 for lost baggage. Travelex’s Travel Select plan extends additional coverage, such as sporting equipment delay benefits of $200 and you can include kids with your policy.
| Coverage Item | Travel Basic | Travel Select | Travel America |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500.00 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100.00 | $200 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $15,000.00 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $500,000 | $100,000 |
Travelex offers the following add-ons for the Travel Select policy:
- CFAR coverage (50% reimbursement)
- Medical expense extension (extends coverage to $50,000)
- Adventure sports waiver for medical expenses coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) extension (extends coverage to $25,000)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Cost
Our research team obtained premium costs for eight unique traveler profiles and found that Travelex’s average trip cost is $202.
We named Nationwide as the best for baggage coverage thanks to its generous limits across several plans. It offers $2,000 for lost or damaged baggage and $600 for delayed luggage through its most comprehensive standard plan. It also provides $2,500 for lost or damaged baggage and $1,000 for baggage delays through its cruise-specific Luxury Cruise policy.
Nationwide’s unique cruise insurance policies is why the company tops our list of best cruise insurers. Few providers offer plans tailored explicitly for cruises, but Nationwide offers three to fit various budgets and traveler needs. Some standout coverages for cruises with these plans include missed prepaid excursion coverage, itinerary change coverage and more.
Offers specific coverage for cruise vacations
CFAR upgrade offers up to 75% reimbursement
Provides multiple levels of annual plan coverage and multi-destination, single-trip plans
More expensive premiums on average
Enforces a longer waiting period before baggage delay benefits begin
Nationwide has a 4 out of 5-star rating from 600 verified customers on Squaremouth.
How Nationwide Scored in Our Methodology:
| Ratings Category | Nationwide Travel Insurance | Average of Providers Reviewed |
| Overall | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Coverage times and amounts | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Coverage details | 5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer service and reviews | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Nationwide offers three levels of cruise coverage: the Universal, Choice and Luxury cruise policies. As the names suggest, each tier covers varying levels of cruise expenses. For example, the Universal policy covers $500 worth of expenses related to missed connections while the Luxury policy offers $2,000.
| Coverage Item | Universal Cruise | Choice Cruise | Luxury Cruise |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $250.00 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000.00 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Nationwide offers the following add-ons for its cruise coverage:
- AD&D benefits
- CFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
- Rental car collision damage
In addition to cruise coverage, Nationwide also offers the following two travel insurance plans, which include standard baggage and cancellation insurance.
| Coverage item | Essential | Prime |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost, up to $10,000 | 100% of trip cost, up to $30,000 |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip cost, up to $12,500 | 200% of trip cost, up to $60,000 |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $600 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100 | $600 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000 | $150,000 |
Cost
After gathering quotes from Nationwide using our sample traveler profiles, we found the average cost of a policy is $206.
We chose AIG Travel Guard as the provider best for families, as it offers free coverage to children under 17 with the purchase of an adult policy. Our research shows the cost of a policy from AIG is $237, around 16% more than the average overall cost calculated by our team. However, the free coverage for children can make it a better value overall for some travelers.
We appreciate how AIG provides a unique Medevac plan with up to $5 million in medical evacuation coverage, which could benefit adventurers traveling to remote locations lacking medical infrastructure. It also provides coverage for last-minute travels through its Pack N’ Go policy, providing immediate trip and medical protections alongside 24-hour emergency travel services.
Medevac plan can provide up to $5 million in medical evacuation coverage
The Deluxe policy includes “Travel Inconvenience Benefits” for situations such as runway delays
Offers immediate coverage with the Pack-N-Go plan for last-minute trips
Charges higher premiums on average, based on our review
Only offers 50% in CFAR coverage
AIG’s primary travel insurance product is its international travel plans, which provide 100% trip cancellation insurance, up to $1,000 in trip delay coverage, up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and other benefits commonly found with competitors. It also offers two unique policy options: the quick approval Pack-N-Go plan and an annual plan for frequent flyers.
AIG offers three travel insurance plans, all of which include family coverage:
| Coverage Item | Essential plan | Preferred plan | Deluxe plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip exchange | – | 50% of trip cost | 50% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $750.00 | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $200.00 | $300 | $500 |
| Medical expenses | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $150,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
It also offers the following add-ons:
- CFAR coverage (up to 50% reimbursement)
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
- Rental car collision damage
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Missed connection benefit ($150)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Cost
According to our research on travel insurance costs across dozens of providers, we found the average price of a travel policy from AIG Travel Guard is $237.
We chose Faye as the best option for CFAR coverage because it offers 75% reimbursement of total trip costs at a budget-friendly price for many travelers. After gathering quotes for a $4,000 weeklong trip to France, we found that adding CFAR coverage only cost an additional 31% of our Faye policy premium. Our research has found that most providers charge 50% or more of your premium to add this protection.
Faye tops several of our best travel insurance lists, such as best travel insurance for seniors and best group travel insurance. It provides $250,000 worth of primary medical coverage and a pre-existing conditions waiver that can benefit seniors with chronic illnesses. In addition, its convenient and quick online process makes it easy to sign up for a group travel policy in less than 10 minutes.
Offers quick, all-online quotes and enrollment
Can provide $200 if your bags get delayed for six hours or more
Optional cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) add-on covers up to 75% of trip costs
Be reimbursed on approved claims to your phone’s wallet
Only offers one plan option
Does not offer add-on coverage for accidental death and dismemberment
Faye offers one plan with several optional add-on options.
| Coverage Item | Faye Travel Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of non-refundable trip costs |
| Trip interruption | Up to 150% of non-refundable trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $150 per item, up to $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 if bags are delayed 6+ hours, $300 if bags are delayed 12+ hours |
| Medical expenses | Up to $250,000 (for International Trips) |
| Emergency evacuation | Up to $500,000 (for international Trips) |
Optional Add-Ons
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
- Pet care
*Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.
Cost
We obtained quotes for various trips and sample traveler profiles as outlined in our review methodology, and Faye’s average trip cost is $256.
WorldTrips Travel Insurance
WorldTrips Travel Insurance ReviewWorldTrips earned the designation of most affordable comprehensive coverage from our research team. We gathered quotes for each of the provider’s three plans and found that the highest tier, Elevate, was 17% cheaper than the average cost of a policy calculated using our sample traveler profiles. This plan includes perks such as $250,000 in emergency medical coverage, $1 million in medical evacuation protection, $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, and more.
Additional coverage add-ons offered by WorldTrips include CFAR, interruption for any reason (IFAR), adventure sports, rental car damage and pet care, further rounding out the provider’s comprehensive trip and medical benefits.
Offers cheap comprehensive coverage, according to our research
Provides 50% in add-on IFAR protection
Allows your choice of 50% or 75% in CFAR add-on coverage
Provides AD&D insurance as standard with each policy
Adding the 75% CFAR coverage option almost doubles your policy costs
Only provides secondary medical coverage through its lowest plan tier
WorldTrips currently holds a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from over 400 verified customers on Squaremouth.
How WorldTrips Scored in Our Methodology:
| Ratings Category | WorldTrips Travel Insurance | Average of Providers Reviewed |
| Overall | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Coverage times and amounts | 4.6/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Coverage details | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer service and reviews | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 | 4.6/5 |
WorldTrips offers the Escape, Explore and Elevate plans through its Atlas Journey line, which are single-trip, comprehensive insurance policies. The provider also has specialized plans for group travel, travelers looking for an annual policy, digital nomads and more.
| Coverage Item | Atlas Journey Escape | Atlas Journey Explore | Atlas Journey Elevate |
| Trip cancellation | 100% (up to $10,000) | 100% (up to $50,000) | 100% (up to $100,000) |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $750 maximum | $1,500 maximum | $2,500 maximum |
| Baggage delay | Up to $200 (12 hours) | Up to $300 (12 hours) | Up to $600 (12 hours) |
| Medical expenses | $50,000 (secondary) | $150,000 (primary) | $250,000 (primary) |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $750,000 | $1 million |
WorldTrips provides the following options as add-ons with most plans:
- CFAR coverage
- Adventure sports coverage
- IFAR coverage
- Rental car damage and theft
- Pet care
Cost
After gathering quotes from WorldTrips using our sample trips and traveler profiles, we found the average cost of a policy is $157.
We named Generali Global Assistance as the best provider for trip interruption coverage. It provides up to 175% reimbursement for trip interruptions through its Premium plan, whereas most insurers only offer up to 150% in their highest plan tiers. While Generali isn’t the cheapest provider out of our top provider picks, it still comes in at less than the average cost of travel insurance by a few dollars.
Generali Global Assistance also offers 24/7 concierge-level services from multilingual representatives, which may prove helpful if you travel to an area where you cannot speak the primary language. In addition, you’ll find rental car and sports equipment coverage as standard through the provider’s higher-tier plans — coverage that most providers only offer as add-ons.
All plans include 24/7 concierge emergency assistance
No dental sub-maximum included under medical coverage
Extends up to 175% trip interruption coverage
Offers less delay compensation than other providers
Optional CFAR coverage capped at 60%
Generali offers three plan tiers: Standard, Preferred and Premium. The Standard Plan includes a variety of benefits, including 125% trip interruption coverage, $150 per day toward delay-related expenses, $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage, $50,000 worth of medical coverage and more. Preferred and Premium plans extend benefits included with the Standard Plan and add some extras — like sports equipment coverage and rental car collision insurance.
| Coverage Item | Standard plan | Preferred plan | Premium plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 175% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,000.00 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | – | $300 | $500 |
| Medical expenses | $50,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Generali offers the following add-on options:
- Rental car damage
- CFAR coverage (up to 60% reimbursement)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Cost
Based on cost data calculated using sample trips and various traveler profiles, we found the average cost of a travel insurance policy from Generali Global Assistance is $201.
Seven Corners earned the superlative of best for visitors to the U.S., including for visitors to the country and parents. The Travel Medical Basic plan can cover groups of up to 10 non-U.S. residents and non-U.S. citizens, making it ideal for families and solo travelers alike. With coverage extendable up to a year and a medical maximum of $1 million for travelers up to 69, this plan is ideal for those hosting parents from abroad.
Note that maximum medical coverage levels drop to $100,000 for travelers aged 70 to 79 and $10,000 for those 80 years or older. In addition, coverage for pre-existing conditions isn’t available for travelers 80 years and older. Despite this, many providers won’t cover senior travelers beyond a certain age, so we appreciate that Seven Corners has no age limit.
Includes trip interruption coverage up to 150% of your outlined limit
Customizable trip cancellation coverage limits of up to $10,000
Offers pre-existing condition coverage
Limits travel medical coverage to $50,000 for New Hampshire residents
Only covers pre-existing conditions for 60 days into your plan term
Seven Corners currently holds a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from almost 4,000 customer reviews through Squaremouth.
How Seven Corners Scored in Our Methodology:
| Ratings Category | Seven Corners Travel Insurance | Average of Providers Reviewed |
| Overall | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Coverage times and amounts | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Coverage details | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer service and reviews | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Seven Corners doesn’t just offer travel medical plans for travelers visiting the U.S. — it also offers an annual plan that provides a wide range of coverages, including:
- $5,000 in trip interruption protection
- $1 million in medical and healthcare coverage
- $25,000 worth of AD&D coverage
- $100 per day in trip delay benefits (with a maximum of two days)
- $50 worth of coverage for each lost bag, up to $500
It also includes extra benefits for items such as lost travel documents and baggage delays but does not cover trips within the U.S. Policies include a range of deductibles between $0 and $500. However, selecting a lower deductible will come with a higher premium.
Seven Corners also offers coverage for single trips in the U.S. and abroad, known as its RoundTrip Basic and RoundTrip Choice plans.
| Coverage Item | RoundTrip Basic | RoundTrip Choice |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500.00 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $100.00 | $100 |
| Medical expenses | $100,000.00 | $500,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $1 million |
You can purchase the following add-ons to enhance travel insurance coverage with Seven Corners:
- Rental car collision damage
- Event ticket registration fee protection
- Sports and golf equipment rental
- CFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- IFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Cost
Based on quotes gathered using several sample traveler profiles, the average cost of a travel insurance policy from Seven Corners is $206 — on par with the overall average cost calculated by our team.
We named AEGIS as best for immediate reimbursement thanks to its short claims processing time. You can open a claim easily by phone, email, live chat or web form, and you can check the status online without contacting a customer service representative. AEGIS states that most claims take about a week or so to process fully.
AEGIS offers seven different policies to suit a variety of traveler needs. These include a policy solely offering trip cancellation and interruption benefits, a plan for travelers taking a cruise, and two annual, multi-trip policies. We also found that plans through AEGIS cost around 32% less than the average travel insurance cost calculated by our team.
Cheaper than other top insurers, based on our research
Provides standalone trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Processes most claims within a week or so
Offers seven different policies to choose from
Some multi-trip plans limit trips to 31 days
Multi-trip Preferred Plan only provides secondary medical coverage
AEGIS has a 4.1 out of 5-star overall review rating from over 1,000 customer reviews on Squaremouth.
How AEGIS Scored in Our Methodology:
| Ratings Category | AEGIS Travel Insurance | Average of Providers Reviewed |
| Overall | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Coverage times and amounts | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Coverage details | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer service and reviews | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 | 4.6/5 |
We appreciate how AEGIS offers a variety of plans to suit different traveler needs. Its Pandemic Travel Insurance Plus Plan provides primary medical coverage, comprehensive trip benefits and CFAR coverage as a standard protection — not an add-on. You’ll also find coverage that exclusively provides trip cancellation and interruption benefits.
In addition, AEGIS offers a plan tailored to travelers taking a cruise, with missed connection benefits and itinerary change coverage. If you’re looking for annual multi-trip coverage, AEGIS provides two plans that cover multiple trips over the course of a year.
Single-trip policies sold by AEGIS include the Go Ready Choice Plan and VIP Travel Plan.
| Coverage Item | Go Ready Choice | VIP Travel |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 150% of trip costs | 175% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $200 | $750 (24 hour delay) |
| Medical expenses | $50,000 | $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $1 million |
Add-on coverages provided through an AEGIS policy include:
- Increased maximum limit for medical coverages
- Increased limit for evacuation and repatriation
- Additional AD&D coverage
- Pre-existing condition waiver
- Higher baggage compensation limits
Cost
After averaging the cost of a travel insurance policy through AEGIS using our sample traveler profiles, we found the average cost of a policy with the company is $155.
Based on our comprehensive review, we named Travel Insured International as the best provider for evacuation coverage. While most travel insurance companies offer coverage for emergency medical evacuations and repatriation, this provider takes its protection one step further by providing up to $150,000 for political, security and natural disaster evacuations. However, note that Travel Insured International only includes this coverage through its highest plan tier.
Travel Insured International provides two single-trip policies and one annual, multi-trip plan for travelers to choose from. We appreciate how the insurer’s multi-trip policies start at a flat rate of $94 for adults and $64 for children for a year’s worth of coverage, which may benefit frequent world travelers who’d like to bring their family along on trips.
Does not base plan costs on your travel destination
Provides optional pet kennel and rental car coverage
Includes political, security and natural disaster evacuation coverage
No pre-existing medical condition coverage waiver
Offers a low travel delay coverage amount compared to other providers
Travel Insured International offers two comprehensive single-trip insurance plans — Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Edge. The provider also offers one annual, multi-trip policy.
| Coverage Item | Worldwide Trip Protector Edge | Worldwide Trip Protector |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $750 | $1,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 (12-plus hour delay) | $500 (3-plus hour delay) |
| Medical expenses | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $1 million |
Add-on protections offered by Travel Insured International include the following:
- CFAR coverage
- IFAR coverage
- Event ticket registration fee protection
- Rental car damage and theft
- Travel inconvenience benefits
- Optional electronic equipment protection
- Flight AD&D
- Pet kennel coverage
Cost
Based on quotes gathered using several different trip and traveler profiles, the average cost of a policy from Travel Insured International is $199.
Compare The Best Travel Insurance For International Trips
Comparing the costs of coverage offered by different providers can help you find the most affordable option for your travel insurance needs. See the table below for a direct cost comparison between the companies we’ve chosen as our top picks, as well as BBB ratings and notable coverage limits.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
“When comparing plans across the same or various insurers, pay close attention to the benefits limits offered and make sure they offer the right amount of coverage you are looking for regarding certain unexpected events. For instance, if you invest $10,000 into a tour package, you may want to consider a trip cancellation limit that meets the value of the non-refundable trip cost.”
What Is the Best Travel Insurance?
The best travel insurance for you depends on factors such as your destination, travel needs and coverages that you deem most important in a policy. Read on to learn more about our top travel insurance picks for CFAR coverage, cruise protection, senior travelers and more.
Best “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) Travel Insurance
We chose Faye as the best CFAR coverage provider, with Seven Corners and Travelex also making our list of top picks. While all three offer reimbursement of up to 75% of your total trip costs if you need to cancel for virtually any reason, Faye’s add-on only cost us an additional 31% of our premium when we got a quote for a $4,000 weeklong trip to France. Most providers offer this coverage at an extra 50% of your policy cost.
| Company | Recommended Plan | Average Cost | CFAR Coverage Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faye | Travel Protection Plan | $256 | 75% of trip costs |
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $206 | 75% of trip costs |
| Travelex | Travel Select | $202 | 75% of trip costs |
Based on our research, CFAR coverage is a time-sensitive benefit. This means purchasing a travel policy as soon as possible after booking your trip is essential if you want to buy this coverage. If you wait to buy, you risk losing the opportunity.
Best Cruise Insurance
Nationwide, Allianz Global Assistance and AIG Travel Guard topped our list of the best cruise insurance providers. Nationwide offers three plans tailored explicitly to cruisers, with benefits such as shipboard service disruption, prepaid excursion reimbursement and more. Allianz provides free coverage for children under 17, which could benefit families cruising together. AIG Travel Guard also made our list with non-flight AD&D coverage that protects policyholders if they lose their life or a limb on a cruise.
| Company | Cruise Plan | Average Cost | Our Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Luxury Cruise | $208 | 4.6/5 |
| Allianz Global Assistance | OneTrip Prime | $219 | 4.1/5 |
| AIG Travel Guard | Preferred Plan | $197 | 4.6/5 |
Best Travel Insurance For Seniors
We chose Faye, Travelex and Nationwide as the best senior travel insurance companies. Faye offers seniors primary medical coverage and a pre-existing conditions waiver, while Travelex allows seniors to upgrade to a Travel Select plan with additional medical and evacuation coverage. Nationwide also offers a pre-existing condition waiver for up to 21 days after your initial trip deposit.
| Company | Recommended Plan | Average Cost for Seniors | Medical Coverage Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faye | Travel Protection Plan | $337 | Does not apply |
| Travelex | Travel Select | $585 | Does not apply |
| Nationwide | Luxury Cruise | $407 | Does not apply |
If you’re between 60 and 80 years old and are looking for travel coverage, expect to pay more than younger customers. Based on quotes we gathered from dozens of travel insurers, the cost of a policy for senior travelers increases anywhere from 80% to 303% from the price of a policy for a 20-year-old.
Best Travel Medical Insurance
We chose Faye, International Medical Group (IMG) and GeoBlue as our top picks for the best travel medical insurance providers. Faye offers high medical coverage limits coupled with robust trip benefits, while IMG provides a wide variety of medical plans to suit many types of travelers. GeoBlue offers budget-friendly medical-only policies for those looking to forgo trip coverage.
How To Choose a Travel Insurance Company
Knowing what to look for when comparing travel insurance providers can help you pick the best plan for your needs. We encourage you to compare brand pricing and policies between multiple providers to help narrow down your available coverage options.
Asking yourself a few key questions can help further simplify your search for travel insurance.
- Is this an important or pricey trip?: The value and price of a trip play a major role in travel insurance pricing. If you’re insuring a higher-value vacation, you may want to look for policies with higher overall coverage limits and travel interruption reimbursements. If you’re taking a budget vacation, you might see more value in an insurer that specializes in low-cost, affordable policies.
- Where are you going?: It is also good practice to consider a location’s available amenities and your itinerary when shopping for coverage. For example, if you’re traveling to a remote area with a less robust medical system than a city with many options, you could face a higher chance of needing emergency medical evacuation if you end up seriously injured. In this case, we recommend a policy with higher coverage limits on medical evacuation services.
- How are you getting to your destination?: If you’re taking a cruise, consider getting a quote from a travel insurance provider that offers cruise-specific coverage, such as Nationwide. While most travel insurance providers design policies to cover the basic risks associated with flying — such as lost luggage, missed connections, etc. — it is worth comparing options that include coverage specific to your trip. For example, those traveling for work may prefer Allianz Global for its business-centered plans.
- Do you have any health concerns?: When planning to travel, consider whether you could need medical services based on your health history and travel itinerary. In addition, companies often include COVID-19 treatment under standard emergency medical coverage, but it is best to read through coverage terms and conditions to confirm. Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, says: “Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose.”
“I recommend that every traveler gets a strong medical evacuation policy. When the worst-case scenario happens, you can get to a hospital of your choice at home. I really push this coverage for folks traveling in Mexico because it’s a short trip to a home hospital.”
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
The specifics of what is covered under your travel insurance policy will vary depending on the provider you select. The following are some of the most common types of coverage you are likely to find as you get quotes from the best travel insurance providers.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Coverage Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | Compensation for nonrefundable trip expenses, such as your flight and lodging, if your trip gets canceled due to certain unforeseen circumstances. This could include unexpected weather events, a death in the family or your diagnosis of a major illness. | 100% |
| Trip interruption | Compensation for unused, nonrefundable trip expenses if you must cut your trip short and return home for a reason listed as covered under your policy. Usually covers the same expenses as a trip cancellation policy. | 100%–75% |
| Baggage coverage | Compensation if your checked luggage is delayed or lost during your trip. This coverage can help ease the inconvenience by reimbursing you for essential items, such as toiletries and lost clothing. | Varies |
| Medical expenses | Medical bills incurred if you get hurt or sick on a trip. Depending on your domestic insurer, your coverage may not extend to hospital bills sustained abroad, making travel medical coverage valuable in the event of a medical emergency. | $10,000–$1 million |
| Medical evacuation | Transportation or evacuation services to a proper medical facility due to an illness or injury. We recommend considering higher evacuation coverage limits if traveling to a remote area without immediate hospital access. | $250,00–$1 million |
| Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage | Partial or full reimbursement of nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel your trip for reasons not covered in your base travel policy. This includes expenses such as flights, lodging, tour reservations and more. | 50%–75% |
| Rental car coverage | Reimburses you if a collision, theft, vandalism, natural disaster or other event damages your rental car. In some cases, you may also find it cheaper than the protection a rental car agency offers. | Varies |
| 24-hour assistance services | Not available | Not available |
Is Travel Insurance Required?
In most cases, travel insurance is not required. However, some countries require visitors to have travel insurance due to visa requirements or diplomatic unrest. These countries typically only require proof that your policy covers emergency medical expenses. You can extend your coverage to also protect you against baggage loss, trip delays and cancellations.
Even if your destination does not mandate travel insurance, the U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling overseas purchase a policy that covers unexpected medical bills while abroad.
Who Needs Travel Insurance?
While most people can benefit from some level of travel insurance coverage, consider a policy if you are planning any of the following:
- International trips: Traveling internationally can expose you to unfamiliar healthcare systems, unpredictable events, and potential trip interruptions. Travel insurance offers financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected expenses that may arise in foreign destinations.
- Regular vacations: If you frequently travel for business or leisure, an annual travel insurance policy can be a cost-effective solution. This policy provides continuous coverage for multiple trips, saving you time purchasing separate policies.
- Senior travelers: If you are a senior traveler with Medicare, your health insurance excludes most medical care outside of the country. Travel insurance with medical expenses and evacuation coverage can financially protect you if you need care while away from home.
- Adventure sports: Adventure enthusiasts planning to engage in activities like hiking, skiing or scuba diving may find travel insurance with adventure sports coverage beneficial. These policies can cover potential injuries and equipment losses, which you may be more likely to run into due to your itinerary. However, not all standard travel medical insurance covers injuries related to adventure sports.
If you are considering travel insurance, we suggest getting a few sample quotes to compare coverage. Getting a quote is free, takes only a few minutes and can provide more personalized insights into the cost of your upcoming travel plan.that U.S. citizens traveling overseas purchase a policy that covers unexpected medical bills while abroad.
When To Buy Travel Insurance
You can typically purchase a travel insurance policy up until the date of your departure, with some providers offering specialty plans that can cover you after you leave the country. However, there are benefits to buying a travel insurance policy soon after you make your first trip deposit.
You can only purchase certain add-on coverages and riders, such as CFAR coverage and pre-existing condition waivers, within a specific time frame from your first trip payment. For example, many insurers only allow you to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver if you purchase your policy two weeks or less from your first trip purchase. If you’re looking for specialty coverage like this, buying your policy as soon as possible is best practice.
“There are benefits to travelers who purchase far in advance of their trip, as they can take advantage of pre-trip benefits like trip cancellation. You never know what kind of unexpected events may arise and derail your trip plans before you even take off. Specific events coverage varies based on the insurance policy booked, but generally trip cancellation can cover events such as natural disasters and severe weather-related events, illness or injury that prevent you from traveling, and unannounced airline strikes.”
When To Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may only be worth it in some scenarios. For instance, if you booked your trip using a credit card that also offers travel insurance protection, you may not need coverage through an additional provider. We encourage you to check the details of your credit card coverage, if applicable, to ensure it aligns with your needs. If so, you can likely skip buying a separate travel insurance policy.
In addition, if you’ve booked your trip with flexible airline tickets or with a hotel that offers a flexible change or cancellation policy, you may not need a travel insurance policy. Also, travelers booking excursions or activities with refundable policies will likely not benefit from a travel insurance plan.
Finally, note that if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling within the country and have insurance through a domestic provider, you likely will need travel insurance with medical coverage. However, your coverage may not extend abroad, notably if you have a government-issued plan. But if you have private insurance that covers emergency medical expenses abroad, you may not need to purchase a travel insurance plan.
Generally, we encourage you to consider your trip, the overall cost and the flexibility surrounding your reservations when deciding whether or not to skip purchasing a travel insurance policy.
“You don’t need to insure trip expenses if they’re already covered by someone else or if you are comfortable losing the money you paid for your trip if you must cancel or interrupt it.”
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
In our comprehensive review of the travel insurance market, our team found the average cost of travel insurance was about 3% to 5% of a trip’s total value. Based on the quotes our team gathered from multiple providers, the average cost across eight different traveler profiles came out to $206, with the average traveler paying between $95 and $316 for most trips.
To further understand the average travel insurance cost in relation to total trip value, we gathered multiple quotes from various providers for a 30-year-old traveler taking a week-long trip to France. See the table below for the average travel insurance cost based on the total cost of trips ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
| Cost of Trip | Travel Insurance Cost | Percentage of Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $54 | 5% |
| $2,000 | $79 | 4% |
| $3,000 | $112 | 4% |
| $4,000 | $138 | 3% |
| $5,000 | $170 | 3% |
| $8,000 | $311 | 4% |
| $10,000 | $398 | 4% |
Remember that your travel insurance costs will vary based on various factors. We encourage you to get a quote from at least three travel insurance providers before purchasing coverage to ensure you get the best price for your coverage needs.
The following chart outlines the average insurance cost for our top 10 companies from least to most expensive:
We calculated the average cost of travel insurance by gathering quotes from two dozen travel insurers using several unique trips and sample traveler profiles. This helped us to gain an understanding of costs for different people and scenarios. Weeklong trip details and sample profiles include:
| Traveler Profile | Destination | Total Trip Cost |
| 30-year-old couple | Mexico | $5,000 |
| 65-year-old couple | London, United Kingdom | $7,000 |
| 30-year-old couple | London, United Kingdom | $7,000 |
| Family of four | Mexico | $8,000 |
| 19-year-old solo traveler | Paris, France | $2,000 |
| 27-year-old solo traveler | Athens, Greece | $1,800 |
| 23-year-old solo traveler | Europe (Italy, Spain, Ireland and Greece) | $4,000 |
| 51-year-old solo traveler | Madrid, Spain | $2,000 |
After using each profile to gather quotes for different plans, we calculated the average cost of each provider and the individual policies offered. Note that your plan of choice may cost you more or less than our averages depending on factors unique to your travel needs. The best way to know how much a travel insurance policy will cost is to request quotes from multiple providers for your trip.
What Impacts the Cost of Trip Insurance?
Several factors can determine how much your travel insurance will cost, including age, total trip cost, plan type, add-ons, number of travelers, destination, company and trip length.
Where To Buy Travel Insurance: Best Travel Insurance Comparison Sites
Most travel insurers make buying a policy directly from their website simple, with many catering to a seamless online purchasing experience. For example, Faye lets you quickly buy a policy by answering a few simple questions about your trip and adjusting your coverage limit — checking out with a tailor-made plan in just a few minutes. You can also purchase a plan from aggregate sites that allow you to compare coverage from multiple providers simultaneously.
Travel insurance comparison sites are like a marketplace for travel insurance. You can compare multiple plans from competing providers all at once, making it easy for you to see the difference between coverage, cost, plan details and more. If you’d like to compare policies in this way, we recommend checking out travelinsurance.com and squaremouth.com.
TravelInsurance.com
Travelinsurance.com provides access to 14 travel insurance providers, allowing you to compare and contrast well-known brands such as Trawick International, World Nomads, Travelex, Generali Global Assistance and more. The aggregate site also promises to remove policies if its ratings drop below 4 out of 5 stars.
- Compare companies at once: No limit, but can only see five at a time
- Customer reviews: Over 100,000 5-star reviews
- Filter options: Price, insurance provider, customer ratings, number of reviews and more
Squaremouth
Squaremouth offers policies from 32 different travel insurance companies, including Tin Leg, GeoBlue, Berkshire Hathaway and more. The aggregator ensures that if you need to file a travel insurance claim, any provider you’ve purchased a plan from through Squaremouth will handle it fairly.
- Compare companies at once: No limit, but only can see five at a time
- Customer reviews: Over 150,000+ customer reviews
- Filter options: Emergency medical coverage, trip interruption, cruise, Schengen visa and more
Travel Trends for 2024
As the world continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry is slowly seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels. According to research from the U.S. Travel Association, domestic leisure travel is expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels throughout 2024. Some of the factors contributing to travelers’ return to airports across the globe include:
- Easing international visa and travel restrictions
- Vaccine distribution and effectiveness
- Increased demand for travel following COVID-19 lockdowns
As the demand for travel increases, so has the sale of travel insurance. The travel insurance market size is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5% between 2022 and 2028. Highly publicized stories of flight delays and cancellations occurring across the country are also contributing to public demand for travel insurance.
Top Purchased Travel Insurance Plans in 2024 So Far
We gathered data from travelinsurance.com from March 2024 to August 2024 to discover what plans were the most popular with travelers.
| Company and Plan | Percent of Total Purchasers |
|---|---|
| Generali Standard Plan | 16.4% |
| Generali Preferred Plan | 12.6% |
| AEGIS Go Ready Choice Plan | 11.5% |
| Trawick Safe Travels Protect | 9.7% |
| AIG Travel Guard Essential | 8.7% |
| Trawick Safe Travels Explorer | 6.5% |
| Generali Premium Plan | 6.2% |
| Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protector | 5.4% |
| AXA Platinum Plan | 2.5% |
| Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic | 2.3% |
Top Travel Destinations of 2024
To learn more about the top travel destinations of 2024 and the average price travelers paid for coverage, our team conducted a Pollfish survey in February 2024 consisting of 1,000 U.S.-based respondents.
Of those respondents, 46% said the last time they purchased travel insurance was for a domestic trip within the U.S. The remainder of our survey participants purchased a travel policy for an international vacation, with the following countries ranking among the most popular destinations:
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
While travel insurance is not required to enter countries in most parts of the world, it can be worth the cost to purchase some level of coverage. In our review, we found the average cost of travel insurance is less than 7% of what you can expect to pay for your vacation — but may provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements if you experience an unexpected cancellation or delay. The medical expense coverage included with travel insurance is also an invaluable protection, as many health insurance policies exclude care provided outside of the U.S.
“Like any insurance policy, it’s a lost cost until you really need it. Travel insurance offers narrow or broad range coverages that can really help when things don’t go as planned. From Medical Evacuations to trip cancellation, it’s worth investing in a policy.”
Survey Majority Say Travel Insurance Is Worth It
Over half of our survey respondents paid between $50 to $200 for their most recent travel insurance policy, with $200 to $300 being the second most commonly selected price range. In addition, 40% of respondents said they purchased travel insurance mainly to protect the cost of their trip. Trip cancellation coverage and medical were the next most popular reasons for buying a policy.
If you plan to travel in 2024, our team recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Over 60% of survey participants agree with our sentiments, endorsing a policy that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage and more.
Ask The Experts
“It’s essential the plans are well-defined including specific activities and regions a traveler will visit. For instance, a vacation spent relaxing at a nearby resort requires different insurance coverage compared to a trip involving various activities across multiple countries. Insurance premiums are inherently linked to the level of risk involved, so it’s wise for budget travelers to tailor their insurance based on their detailed travel plans.
Moreover, the inherent risks of the destination must be considered. Higher-risk areas naturally have a greater likelihood of issues arising, and appropriate insurance should be in place to manage these risks. When assessing the risk factors of a destination, it’s crucial to go beyond common knowledge and actively seek out information to accurately gauge the safety level of the destination.”
“It’s important to understand what is not covered by a travel insurance policy. Most policies will not cover man-made disasters if your trip is canceled or interrupted. Other exclusions may include acts of war, participating in dangerous activities such as extreme sports, self-harm and foreseeable events. Read the policy carefully. One alternative to standard travel insurance is cancel-for-any-reason coverage. However, the cancellation typically must occur within a preset number of days before the trip is to begin and is more expensive.”
Ask The Experts
“It’s essential the plans are well-defined including specific activities and regions a traveler will visit. For instance, a vacation spent relaxing at a nearby resort requires different insurance coverage compared to a trip involving various activities across multiple countries. Insurance premiums are inherently linked to the level of risk involved, so it’s wise for budget travelers to tailor their insurance based on their detailed travel plans.
Moreover, the inherent risks of the destination must be considered. Higher-risk areas naturally have a greater likelihood of issues arising, and appropriate insurance should be in place to manage these risks. When assessing the risk factors of a destination, it’s crucial to go beyond common knowledge and actively seek out information to accurately gauge the safety level of the destination.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance
Unlike most other types of insurance, you won’t be penalized for buying your travel insurance closer to the dates you might use it. However, many travel insurance companies require that you purchase coverage within a limited time after booking your trip. Luckily, travel insurance prices do not increase as you get closer to your departure date. That being said, some options (like CFAR coverage) may only be available for a limited time before you travel.
Your travel insurance policy will expire on the date you indicate when you purchase the plan. For most travelers, this will be the final day of your vacation. Frequent travelers might also have the option to buy annual travel insurance that protects them for a year.
International travel insurance provides you with a reimbursement for nonrefundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave your destination early. In addition, it may reimburse you for travel expenses like airfare and hotel costs if you cannot claim a refund from your vendors directly.
That depends. Most travel insurance companies require canceling anywhere from 24 hours to a week or more before departure in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
Travel insurance premiums often increase as your departure date approaches, since the likelihood of last-minute interruptions or cancellations increases closer to your flight. It’s generally advisable to purchase travel insurance in advance to get access to the most favorable rates.
The most common type of travel insurance is trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which reimburses you if you’re forced to cancel your trip or go home early. These coverages are included on almost every travel insurance policy, except medical-only plans.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
Our team created a scoring system to assess travel insurance providers based on cost, coverage, quality and service. We also collect sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience.
Here are the factors we take into consideration when reviewing providers, which we use as a scoring basis to then determine a five-star rating:
- Cost (20%): To determine average travel insurance costs, we gather quotes from each travel insurance company based on several traveler profiles. Companies offering rates at or below our calculated average of $206 earn full points in this category. Specifically, we obtain quotes for the following trips:
- 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 taking a $1,800 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- A 23-year-old taking a $4,000 trip to Europe (Italy, Spain, Ireland and Greece).
- Coverage Details (15%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust travel protection earns full points, including coverage for baggage delay and loss, COVID-19, emergency evacuation and medical expenses, trip delays and cancellations, and more. Companies also receive points for featuring various add-ons such as accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items and more.
- Claim Eligibility and Time Constraints (12%): Travel insurance providers enforce time constraints that outline when you can file a claim after a covered event. We give companies more points in this category for having shorter time limits for baggage and weather delays.
- Cancellation and Interruption Coverage (12%): Our team reads through each company’s coverage details and assigns points based on the coverage amount assigned to trip cancellations and interruptions. To earn full points in this category, a company must offer 100% or more coverage.
- Customer Service and Reviews (12%): 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 and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage (10%): Companies earn points in this category for offering CFAR coverage, which allows you to cancel a trip for reasons outside your policy. In addition to offering coverage, companies received higher scores for meeting or exceeding the standard offering of 75% reimbursement.
- Delay Coverage Amount (10%): We also consider what a company offers for travel delays and baggage delays or loss, all of which can upend a trip. A company can earn 10% total between its travel and baggage delay coverage amounts.
- Credit Rating (5%): Since credit ratings can help customers assess a company’s ability to meet financial obligations, our team considers AM Best ratings when scoring providers.
- Coverage Extras (4%): In addition to standard coverage, we also research how many add-ons a company offers, which can help customers customize their plan. Companies can earn full points in this category for offering eight common travel insurance add-ons.
For more information about how we rate and review providers, read our full travel insurance methodology.
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