cheap travel insurance with covid coverage

How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan.

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin.

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available.

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more: Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo.

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000.

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection. Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad.

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more: PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions?

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like: What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

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6 Best Travel Insurance For USA with Covid-19 Coverage

The U.S. finally reopened for international visitors after nearly two years of strict travel bans. Considering a trip there? Even though you might be vaccinated, which is now one of the key requirements to enter the U.S. for foreign nationals, you are still at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Additional expenses might come with COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment. And as we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our fellow travelers, we have chosen the 5 best insurance plans to have your back even if you travel to the U.S. during the coronavirus crisis.

So read on. These are the 5 best COVID-19 insurance plans for traveling, working, living, or studying in the U.S.

Best Covid Travel Insurance For the U.S.

• SafetyWing Travel Insurance – Best Rated
• Explore North America® Plus
• CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits
• Staysure Travel Insurance – Best for U.K. Travelers
• Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted
• Travel Insurance Select® – Best for couples and Families

1. SafetyWing Travel Insurance – BEST RATED

This travel medical insurance is the best option for travelers to U.S. It is also a great choice for both short and long-term tourists or remote workers.

• Safety Wing covers COVID-19 the same way as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.
• It covers you in your home country as well, as long as your visit there is incidental.
• Since April 15, 2021, it covers quarantine outside your home country of $50/day for up to 10 days. Note that the quarantine can be covered only once a year and if mandated by a physician or governmental authority.
• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is also pretty affordable . Depending on your age, the prices are as follows for a 4-week period: 10-39 years old: USD 76.72, 40-49 years old: USD 126.56. For other age groups, you can find the prices here.
• Testing for COVID-19 is covered only if deemed necessary by a physician. That is rather inconvenient, as most countries require testing before entry.
• It does not cover citizens from Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.

If you are new to SafetyWing, the COVID-19 coverage will be added automatically to your plan. On the other hand, if you are already part of SafetyWing, we recommend you reach out to their customer service team, and they will upgrade your plan. 

SafetyWing also offers Remote Health insurance which is suitable for long-term nomads. It is more pricey but covers pre-existing conditions, cancer treatment, and you can use it in your home country as well.

What else does this insurance cover?

On top of everything, SafetyWing covers more than 94 recreational activities, including surfing, biking, hiking, and snowboarding.

2. Explore North America® Plus — Coronavirus Travel Insurance

Explore North America Plus travel insurance is a comprehensive medical coverage administered by Seven Corners that offers extensive coverage for Covid19 and other diseases.

This insurance plan also covers Non-U.S. residents and Non-U.S. citizens who are traveling outside their home country to the United States, Mexico, Canada, or all Caribbean countries except Cuba.

Special COVID-19 coverage:

We have chosen Explore North America Plus because of its special benefits when it comes to coronavirus medical expenses. 

Most travel insurances that claim to cover COVID-19 medical treatments include a “convenient” fine print that says they won’t cover you if the country you are visiting has a government no-travel alert, which most countries have.

That does not happen with Explore North America® Plus. If you contract COVID-19 on your trip, you’re covered, as simple as that.

• The plan covers medically Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) treatment for COVID-19 up to $100,000 or whichever is less.
• Emergency Room Services – (URC) up to medical maximum – $100 copay
• Urgent Care Visit – (URC) up to medical maximum – $20 copay

Other benefits:

• It also covers some onset of pre-existing conditions
• Hospital Indemnity – Only applies to Canada, Mexico and the unrestricted Caribbean countries* – Up to $150 per day, 30-day limit
• Incidental trips on your home country – Up to $10,000
• Dental – Relief of pain – Up to $200
• Dental – Accident – Up to $5,000
• Evacuation and Repatriation – Up to $500,000 (separate from the medical maximum)
• It only covers trips of up to one year
• It does not cover people older than 74 
• *The plan does not cover trips to Cuba.

Interested? – Get your quote here !

3. CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits

CoverAmerica is perfect for travelers and tourists visiting the U.S. who are not citizens or residents of the country.

• CoverAmerica covers COVID-19 as any other medical condition. However, note that it has to be purchased for at least 30 days to be eligible for the benefit.
• Unlike other travel plans, it has comprehensive coverage for COVID-19 . That means you can get reimbursement for delays, quarantine days, or missed flight connections if you get infected with the coronavirus.
• The coverage limit is up to USD 1,000,000 (conditions may apply).

• NOT available for U.S. citizens and residents.
• Citizens from Iran, Syria, the Virgin Islands, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone cannot contract this insurance. 
• This travel insurance covers emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions, acute dental treatment, and eye exams.

To learn more about CoverAmerica and its plans, click here .

4. Staysure Travel Insurance – BEST FOR U.K. TRAVELERS

Staysure Travel Insurance is the best choice for visitors traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.

• Staysure covers trip cancellations , emergency medical treatment, as well as repatriation expenses if you get affected by COVID-19 (conditions may apply).
• It also offers daily benefits if you have to self-isolate, additional accommodation, and transport, but only if mandated by a health official.
• If your close relative or a member of your household is hospitalized or dies of COVID-19, you can cancel or cut your trip short and claim reimbursement.
• Moreover, it is reasonably priced. To get a quote, visit the website here .
• ONLY for travelers traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.
• You won’t be covered if you have refused any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Does not cover COVID-19 testing, which is often needed to be able to travel.

What’s covered?

Note that Staysure doesn’t cover you if you travel during government or regional lockdown.

5. Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted

Allianz Travel Insurance is suitable for all types of travelers traveling from Ireland. From digital nomads and remote workers to students and backpackers, they offer a variety of plans in three different levels – bronze, silver, and gold.

Pros: 

• This travel insurance covers general COVID-19 medical treatment, as well as additional accommodation , transport , or cancellation of your trip if you contract the virus.
• They offer several insurance plans, such as Single Trip Insurance, Backpacker Travel Insurance, or Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance.
• You can cancel or cut your trip short if your close relative or travel companion gets seriously ill from the disease.
• If the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) advises against all non-essential travel, you can make your claim only if you provide documentation that you travel for a specific reason, not leisure.
• It is ONLY for citizens and residents of the Republic of Ireland.
• Allianz Travel Insurance offers an extensive Winter Sports and Ski add-on.

Interested in this insurance travel plan? Get your quote .

6. Travel Insurance Select®

This plan is a great fit for American couples, families, and friends traveling together around the country or overseas. Tours, business trips, and those traveling with social groups can also be covered by Travel Insurance Select®

Benefits and non-insurance:

• Trip cancellation coverage – it refunded you up to 100% of the money you invested in your trip.
• Coverage for trip interruption – you can get up to 150% of your trip expenditures back (depending on the coverage you choose).
• Travel Delay – If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more due to covered circumstances such as carrier-caused delays, lost passports, strikes, or bad weather, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain extra charges, up to the maximum for the option you chose.
• Missed Connection – Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500.
• Covid Quarantine Benefit: “Travel Insurance Select Elite plan offers coverage for accommodations due to a covered Trip Delay $2,000/$250 per person per day (12 hours) is included in the basic coverage.”
• Emergency support services are available 24/7, so you may get aid whenever you need it.

Example – Quote for a couple in their late 30’s traveling for two weeks from California to Washington :

Medical Expense

All plans include emergency medical evacuation, medical repatriation and return of remains.

It can pay reasonable expenses for an emergency medical evacuation ordered by a physician for a covered injury or sickness to the next acceptable medical facility or home, if medically necessary, up to the limit for your preferred option.

Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions available for the Plus and Elite plans.

Special COVID-19 coverage

COVID-19 is treated as any other illness.  Trip Cancellation benefits may be available if you are treated by a legally certified physician.

A person who gets ill while traveling in an affected nation may be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense or Emergency Medical Evacuation benefits.

A person who is required to enter quarantine in their destination due to a positive Covid-19 test can be eligible for Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) – this option must be purchased as an upgrade within 21 days of your initial trip deposit/payment.

The basic plan does not cover Cancel for Any Reason.

So, what do you think? Have you chosen your favorite? We hope our comparison has helped you at least a bit, and you will have peace of mind even while traveling during unpredictable times such as the pandemic. Enjoy, stay safe, and see you in the U.S.!

Disclaimer: Most travel insurance companies are still adapting to the “new normal” way to travel the world. We strongly advise you to check with your insurance company before committing to any insurance plan. 

• Best overall
• Best for trip cancellation
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for families
• Best for value
• Best for multiple trips
• Why you should trust us

Best Cheap Travel Insurance of October 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

In an ever-evolving world, emergency medical and evacuation travel insurance coverage is essential, especially if you're traveling internationally. However, sports equipment coverage, pet protection, and cancel for any reason coverage are among the increasingly popular coverage options that are changing the way we travel. We've gathered the best cheap travel insurance plans to help you protect your trip while on a budget.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plans of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for trip cancellation:  Aegis General Travel Insurance
• Best for medical-only coverage:  GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for families:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best value: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for reputation: Trawick International Travel Insurance

Top Cheap Travel Insurance Company Comparison

The best travel insurance companies should be able to meet your needs at a price you're willing to pay. Sometimes, you're just not willing to pay that much. The following companies offer decent coverage for low prices. To determine which companies made this list, we compared quotes across the travel insurance industry for the same trip, making a note of which companies offered particularly good coverage in certain areas and which companies were well reviewed.

Here are the best affordable travel insurance companies picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Overall

Hth worldwide travel insurance.

The HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Economy plan offers the most comprehensive coverage across major categories of all the providers in this guide.

You'll have some peace of mind with up to $75,000 of financial protection for eligible medical emergencies, and up to $500,000 per person for medical evacuation costs. For more everyday expenses, you can also relax with baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, cancellation and delay coverage that will help you recoup many, if not all, of your costs.

However, this plan falls short on missed connection benefits and accidental death coverage, both of which are not available under most circumstances (missed connection coverage only applies to cruises, and will only cover up to $500 per person after a three-hour delay).

Read our HTH Worldwide travel insurance review .

Best Cheap Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation

Aegis general travel insurance.

The Aegis Trip Cancellation Plan is exactly that: a cost-effective plan that offers protection in the event that your trip is canceled for a covered reason. The plan we priced out for our hypothetical trip cost just 1.16% of our total travel expenses — a very small amount of money to pay for the guarantee of our money back in the right circumstances.

The benefit is that this plan can supplement other coverage you already have, or give you a little bit of protection for a trip where you might not otherwise have opted for insurance altogether. On the downside, you won't get any protection for medical emergencies, trip interruption or delays or lost bags from this plan.

Read our Aegis travel insurance review .

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Medical Coverage

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance. Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums. A 30-year-old from California would pay as low as $20.55 for a policy that covers a two-week trip.

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs.

Read our GeoBlue travel insurance review .

Best Cheap Travel Insurance for Families

C&f travel insured.

There's a lot to like about C&F Travel Insured. For one, it is one of the only travel insurance companies that offers CFAR coverage for annual travel insurance plans . Additionally, C&F is widely praised for its customer service, offering quick reimbursements for claims. Claims that don't reimburse within 30 days begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

When it comes to affordability, C&F remains on the lower end of travel insurance costs. Policies for younger solo travelers are generally around 4% of total trip costs, which isn't bad considering average costs for travel insurance is around 4-8% of total trip costs. However, C&F excels at insuring families as children are heavily discounted with the Edge plan and completely free with the Protector plan. 

Read our C&F Travel Insured review .

Best Cheap Travel Insurance for Value

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is a well-rounded alternative to HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Economy. This plan offers solid protection for both travel-related snafus as well as situations that might call for emergency medical and evacuation, making it a good choice for trips where you have cause to worry about potential interruptions or delays. However, it does not offer protection for missed connections or accidental death.

Read our Nationwide travel insurance review .

Best Cheap Annual Travel Insurance

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick offers three ties of coverage for annual multi-trip travel insurance: Basic, Deluxe, and Executive. Its Basic plan offers coverage for multiple trips under 30 days with $2,500 of travel cancellation coverage over the policy term and $10,000 in emergency medical coverage. It costs a flat $163 per person. The flat fee is great for older travelers who may have to pay more for coverage elsewhere.

Read our Trawick travel insurance review .

Types of Affordable Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

This type of travel insurance offers both travel medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage. Depending on your policy, you may also get benefits like lost baggage, trip delay, and emergency evacuation coverage. 

Premiums for comprehensive coverage will be higher than if you bought trip cancellation on its own. However, you can still get cheap comprehensive coverage. You'll just need to choose a lower coverage level. While this may not be ideal for more expensive trips, lower coverage should be sufficient for budget travel.

Medical-Only Coverage

As the name suggests, this policy focuses solely on travel medical emergencies , dropping trip cancellation coverage and travel inconvenience coverage. It's a cost-effective option for travelers who are primarily concerned about health-related expenses.

Evacuation and Repatriation

In extreme cases where you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency or a natural disaster, this coverage ensures that you can return home safely without incurring huge costs. It's a particularly important benefit for cruise insurance , where sea-to-air evacuations can be costly.

Similar to medical-only coverage, doing away with trip cancellation and inconvenience coverage can save you money.

Benefits of Opting for Cheap Travel Insurance

Cost savings.

Just because a travel insurance policy is cheap doesn't mean it's lacking. Many affordable policies offer substantial coverage, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank. It'll also leave you with more money to spend during your trip

Cheap travel insurance can significantly reduce your travel expenses, ensuring that you're not overpaying for coverage you might not need. 

Adequate Coverage for Less

Not every trip needs the most comprehensive insurance policy. If you're taking a short, cheaper trip, you simply might not need that much coverage. That's where a cheaper travel insurance company may be able to offer you the coverage you need. 

How to Pick The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plan for You

No single travel insurance plan will meet the needs of every single traveler. By nature, we are diverse and evolving meaning travel insurance should be equally so. Travel insurance for a week-long trip to a big city shouldn't be the same as the coverage for a backpacking expedition in the mountains. A splurge to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage may also be worth it for international ventures or other large expenditures.

In most cases, the cost difference between a basic and comprehensive travel insurance plan isn't as significant as you might think. Regardless, it's generally a good idea to choose a trusted travel insurance provider known for exceptional customer service and coverage. (For this roundup, we looked at traveler reviews shared through the travel insurance aggregator SquareMouth .)

• Assessing Your Travel Needs: Consider the nature of your trip, the destination, and your own personal needs when choosing a policy. This ensures that you're not over-insured or underinsured.
• Comparing Different Policies: Don't settle for the first policy you find. Compare different options, looking at their coverage and prices, to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
• Reading the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what's covered, what's not, and the process for making a claim.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cheap Travel Insurance

To determine the best insurance plan for travelers on a budget, we evaluated dozens of products using a hypothetical trip to Australia for a single traveler, age 26, with a total cost of $2,500 for flight, hotel and other incidentals. We then compiled the plans that covered the essentials at the lowest costs.

Of note: All of these plans include COVID-related medical coverage and 24-hour assistance, and pay at least 100% of your trip cost for eligible trip cancellations. None include rental car coverage.

The four winning plans cost between $29 to $74 — significantly below the average cost of comprehensive travel insurance , which can range between 4-8% of total travel expenses, according to the US Travel Insurance Association. But these affordable plans also come with comparably low ceilings for various aspects of coverage such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, or delay — and do not include rental car or " cancel for any reason" (CFAR) protection . So if you think you might need these benefits, it may well be worth upgrading to a comprehensive travel insurance plan for a few more dollars, just for the peace of mind.

Convenience and Flexibility

Each of the plans in this list include 24-hour assistance worldwide from reputable insurance providers. And despite being on the lower end of insurance plans, each of these options includes refunds for up to 100% of your total trip cost for eligible reasons. Each of these plans also includes medical coverage for COVID-related issues that may arise during your travels, which may come in handy as the pandemic continues to evolve worldwide.

Sufficient Coverage in Essential Categories

The cheapest travel insurance plan will rarely cover every scenario that could go awry on your trip. However, each of these plans can at least help you get your money back in the event that your travel is canceled for an eligible reason, and most of them include travel medical insurance if you incur emergency medical bills while traveling. We also factor in what travelers are most concerned about now. 

You can read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance .

Best Cheap Travel Insurance FAQ

You can reduce the cost of travel insurance by opting for simpler coverage with lower coverage limits. You may also consider companies that offer medical-only travel insurance policies. You can also consider annual travel insurance, which will save you money in the long run if you take multiple trips over one year.

Yes, many affordable policies offer comprehensive coverage suitable for international travel. It's crucial to compare policies and understand your needs. You can find our guide on the best international travel insurance here.

When shopping for travel insurance, consider the type of trip you're planning. If you're planning leisurely excursions in a big city, you may not need as much emergency medical coverage as you would if you're planning a serious hiking expedition in the mountains. A good plan should include trip cancellation, some emergency medical protection, and 24-hour assistance at a minimum.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4%-8% of your trip's cost. This usually translates into a premium between $89 to $399. That said, many companies offer premiums far below average costs.

Unfortunately, many travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions reserve coverage for its more expensive plans. That said, you'll find some providers that cover pre-existing conditions with their value plan, such as C&F Travel Insured and Berkshire Hathaway .

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MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.  Learn More

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

Top 7 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies (September 2024)

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

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.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

The 7 Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

Here are our picks for the cheapest travel insurance companies, ranked by lowest average costs across various plan levels.

• Nationwide Travel Insurance: Cheapest travel insurance
• Trawick International Travel Insurance: Best for student travel insurance
• Travelex: Best for budget travelers
• Seven Corners : Best for visitors to the USA
• AIG Travel Guard : Best for families
• Generali Global Assistance : Best for trip interruption coverage
• Faye : Best cancel for any reason coverage

How We Chose the Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies

To determine the cheapest travel insurance plan options, Marketwatch Guides gathered sample quotes for all plan options offered by 24 travel insurance companies for eight trips with varying traveler ages, destinations, number of travelers and trip costs, which are outlined in our methodology. Total trip prices ranged from $1,800 to $8,000, with destinations to Mexico , England , France , Greece , Spain, Italy and Ireland.

The following table compares each company’s average plan cost, cheapest plan option and BBB rating.

How We Gathered Travel Insurance Cost Data

Our team reviewed travel insurance companies in-depth to provide the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information available. While your policy price will vary based on your trip details, traveler ages, number of travelers, destination and more, we took the following steps when collecting data to get a full scope of industry pricing.

• 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico
• 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to London
• 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to London
• Family of 4 taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico
• 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to Paris, France
• 27-year-old taking a $1,800 trip to Athens, Greece
• 23-year-old taking a $4,000 trip to Europe (Italy, Spain, Ireland, Greece, longest time spent in Italy)
• 51-year-old taking a $2,000 vacation to Madrid, Spain
• Cost data by provider:  To figure out how the average cost for each provider, we collected sample quotes for all the insurance policies they offer. Then, we took the average of these estimates for each type of trip across all their policies to find out the provider’s average cost.
• Cost data by age:  We evaluated cost data for seven ages in increments of ten years starting at 20 years old. We collected 20 sample quotes for each age and averaged them to get the typical cost for that age group. Sample quotes were collected for a variety of policies, from medical-only to comprehensive travel insurance plans.
• One 30-year-old traveler
• A 30-year-old couple
• Two 30-year-old adults and one 5-year-old child
• Two 30-year-old adults, one 5-year-old child and one 7-year-old child
• Cost by trip price:  To get accurate pricing by trip price, we collected 20 quotes each for 11 differently priced trips. We started at a $1,000 trip and increased the trip price by $1,000 increments until $10,000, then collected quotes for a $15,000 trip. We averaged the 20 quotes for each trip.

We manually collected all cost information from each company’s respective website.

Cheap Travel Insurance Plans in Detail

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Why we chose nationwide.

Nationwide offers two standard travel insurance plans with up to 200% reimbursement for trip interruptions and up to $150,000 in medical expense coverage. However, baggage limits and medical evacuation coverages are higher, which is beneficial for travelers with independent international health insurance.

Nationwide also offers three unique tiers of cruise protection, with up to 200% reimbursement if your vacation is interrupted or an unavoidable delay causes you to miss your cruise. This can offer peace of mind if you’re flying out of state to a departure port — especially considering national increases in flight delays .

Pros and Cons

Offers 24-hour emergency assistance

Has cruise-specific insurance plans

Multiple coverage levels for cruises

Basic policy includes 100% reimbursement for trip interruption, which is lower than competitors

Medical coverage acts as a secondary policy to your health insurance

Our Ratings

Coverage and add-ons.

Plans and Coverage

The chart below outlines Nationwide’s two single-trip travel insurance plans.

Add-On Options

You can add the following optional coverages to Nationwide’s cruise and single-trip travel insurance plans:

• Accidental death and dismemberment
• CFAR coverage
• Vendor financial default coverage
• Preexisting medical conditions waiver
• Rental car collision coverage

Trawick International

Why we chose trawick international travel insurance.

If you’re an international student studying abroad in the U.S., you are usually required to maintain a certain level of medical and evacuation insurance as a term of your visa. Trawick Travel Insurance offers low-cost medical evacuation insurance that meets the minimum requirements for some of the most common student and academically-oriented visa types.

If you’re a student visiting the U.S. from another country, you may be required to maintain a certain level of medical evacuation coverage as a condition of your visa. Trawick Travel Insurance offers up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage as a standalone policy, meeting the insurance requirements of the J1, F1 and H1 visas. This policy is available to both students and faculty approved for select education-related visas and includes access to 24/7 assistance from a qualified, live nursing line.

If you’re a U.S. student traveling internationally, you might benefit from one of Trawick’s standard trip-cancellation insurance plans. Trawick sells a range of 10 individual plan options, varying in terms of coverage levels and benefits. CFAR coverage is available as an upgrade, and budget policy choices can be especially valuable for college students.

Offers visa-compliant policies for international students traveling to the U.S.

All policies include 24/7 assistance

Has a range of 10 medical and evacuation policy options

Does not have study-abroad plans geared toward U.S. students

Safe Travels Flex coverage options vary by state

If you’re an international student shopping for study-abroad coverage, Trawick offers one specific option: a medical evacuation and repatriation plan. The company offers 10 standard round-trip policies, ranging from its budget-friendly Safe Travels Explorer plan to its all-inclusive Safe Travels First Class. You can even create your own travel insurance plan with the customizable Safe Travels Flex policy — though most options have state-related limitations.

Trawick Travel Insurance currently offers the following add-ons for its roundtrip plan options:

• IFAR coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
• Adventure activity coverage
• Rental car damage
• Rental property damage
• Trip delay coverage upgrades

Specific upgrades may vary by policy and destination. Some policies automatically include coverage that you must purchase as an add-on to other plans (like AD&D coverage).

Why We Chose Travelex

More expensive than Trawick by a few cents, Travelex earned a spot on our list because of its affordable pricing and decent coverage. Its basic travel insurance coverage can cost as low as $60 and includes all the standard protections you’ll find with more expensive providers. Travelex also offers higher-than-average baggage allowances, combining a competitive price point with extra coverage for travelers.

Travelex bills its travel insurance policies as flat-rate coverage, making your pricing more predictable. According to our cost data, Travelex’s policies for solo travelers start as low as $67. Plans also include access to 24/7 emergency assistance services, which can connect you with travel and legal assistance anywhere in the world.

CFAR upgrade available

Insurance coverage starts at $60 per trip

Higher-than-average baggage allowances

Low coverage for medical bills

Some add-ons not available with basic plan

Travelex offers the below travel insurance plans. The Travel Select and Travel America plans include coverage for sporting equipment delays, and Travel America offers medical emergency protection for your pet.

Travelex allows you to add the following coverage to your travel insurance:

• Adventure sports coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) and medical benefit upgrades

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Why we chose seven corners.

With six total policy options, Seven Corners offers many opportunities to customize your coverage and match protections with price. For example, Seven Corners offers a multi-trip plan that covers a single trip with more than one international destination. In addition, the company sells a medical travel plan for non-U.S. citizens to help cover emergency medical costs while traveling within the U.S.

Seven Corners offers a generous range of travel insurance plans suitable for international destinations around the globe. It offers two plans for international travel with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage options and a range of medical-only options at reduced price points.

Seven Corners is one of the only travel insurance providers we’ve seen offer multi-trip coverage that protects you across multiple destinations. Overall, Seven Corners has six total policy options, and quotes most plans at lower-than-average premiums.

In addition to offering specialized plans, Seven Corners provides more generous baggage coverage than some other providers. You’ll be able to claim a reimbursement for a baggage delay after just 12 hours, which can offer peace of mind if you’re traveling to multiple international destinations in a single trip.

Offers six total plan options

Features lower-than-average pricing on basic plans

Has a 12-hour minimum for delayed baggage claims

Requires a 48-hour travel delay for hurricane and weather-related claims

Medical coverage is secondary to the policyholder’s domestic health insurance

Seven Corners has two base plan options: Trip Protection Basic and Trip Protection Choice. These policies cover one-way and round-trip travel itineraries in the U.S. and abroad, with up to $100,000 in medical coverage and up to 100% in compensation for trip interruption on the most affordable plan.

Seven Corners currently offers the following add-ons for its roundtrip plan options:

• Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage
• Sports and golfing equipment coverage

AIG Travel Guard

Why we chose aig travel guard.

While most travel insurance providers require you to purchase an add-on policy for children, AIG offers a complimentary plan for a minor with the purchase of coverage for an adult. Depending on the age of the child and your destination, choosing AIG as your travel insurance provider could help you save on policy costs if you’re traveling as a family.

Trying to buy travel insurance for a family doesn’t have to be overly expensive. With AIG Travel Guard’s Deluxe Plan, you can include complimentary coverage for one child aged 17 years or younger with the purchase of an adult plan. The policy also includes unique coverages for leisurely activities, such as benefits for lost golf tee times and sporting equipment rentals.

In addition to multi-person plans, AIG offers affordable travel insurance for individuals with up to $150,000 in medical expense coverage and up to 150% reimbursement for trip cancellations. All of AIG’s plans also include 24/7 emergency assistance over the phone.

Generous lost baggage coverage

Offers medical evacuation limits up to $1 million

Multi-trip coverage available for groups and families

Basic plan includes lower-than-average limits for trip interruption and medical coverage

CFAR upgrade only available with 50% reimbursement

AIG has three travel insurance plans, all of which include family coverage.

AIG Travel Guard allows you to customize your policy with the following add-ons:

• Preexisting conditions waiver
• Rental car collision damage

The company also offers coverage bundles that can be added to the Preferred and Deluxe plans:

• Adventure sports bundle:  Removes policy exclusions for adventure activities and extreme sports.
• Name Your Family™ bundle:  Allows you to add one person as a family member to take advantage of family-related unforeseen event coverage.
• Medical bundle:  Increases your policy’s medical benefits.
• Inconvenience bundle:  Payment for trip inconveniences such as closed attractions, rental home lockouts, hotel infestation, etc.
• Baggage bundle:  Increases your policy’s baggage benefits.
• Pet bundle:  Adds travel coverage related to your pet, including benefits for boarding and emergency medical bills.
• Security bundle:  Covers costs related to security evacuations and trip interruptions or cancellations due to riot or civil disorder.
• Wedding bundle:  Covers the costs if the wedding you are traveling to is canceled.

Generali Global Assistance

Why we chose generali global assistance.

If you’re traveling to a country where the primary language spoken is not English, running into even a minor travel issue can cause stress and panic. Generali’s 24/7 emergency hotline offers multilingual support as needed, offering real-time assistance no matter the timezone. An emergency evacuation coverage limit of $1 million is also a generous protection that can make Generali a strong choice for those traveling to international destinations that are considered risky.

Generali Global Assistance earns a place on our list for its around-the-clock emergency support. Customers can access a 24/7 emergency hotline to speak with an expert if an issue arises while traveling, which can provide peace of mind if you’ve never traveled internationally or are traveling to a location where you do not speak the primary language.

Generali extends emergency evacuation coverage of up to $1 million and medical expense coverage of up to $250,000. Plans also feature identity theft protection, a common problem abroad that some travel insurance companies don’t consider.

Each plan includes 24/7 travel assistance

Can add coverage for preexisting conditions up to 24 hours before departure date

Offers up to 125% trip interruption coverage

CFAR upgrade only includes 60% reimbursement, lower than some other providers

Must purchase CFAR coverage within 24 hours of your policy deposit

Generali offers three plans with the below coverage levels. In addition, the Preferred and Premium plans offer reimbursement if you experience any delays when renting sporting equipment on your trip.

Generali offers the following coverage add-ons:

• CFAR upgrade

Why We Chose Faye

If you’re a digital native, you may enjoy how Faye leverages insurance tech to help you get a policy quickly and file a claim on the go. Benefitting from a digital underwriting process, Faye allows you to view policy options and start comparing quotes in seconds.

Launched in 2022 , Faye may be a newcomer to the travel insurance industry, but its seamless online experience has already earned the company hundreds of positive online customer reviews.

Faye features an all-online quote process with just a handful of questions, enrollment and claims-filing process. You can enroll in coverage and file claims directly through its mobile app, and even be reimbursed on approved claims to your phone’s Faye wallet. Faye also offers real-time alerts and 24/7 customer service before and during your trip.

We recommend Faye to travelers who want a quick, all-online experience that doesn’t require wading through complicated coverage options.

Offers quick, all-online quotes and enrollment

*Can pay you $200 if your bags get delayed for six hours or more

*Optional Cancel-for-any-reason 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.

Optional Add-Ons 

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) 
• Rental car damage or theft
• Adventure and extreme sports protection 
• Vacation rental damage protection

*Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

After gathering quotes for various traveler profiles from top providers in the industry, our team found that travel insurance costs anywhere from $35 to $765 . However, the cheapest travel insurance companies on our list average $188 per trip . After averaging quotes across traveler profiles, we found that Nationwide offers the most affordable basic travel insurance coverage, with an average policy costing $132.

Note that the cost of a travel insurance policy will depend on factors like your destination, number of travelers, traveler ages, length of the trip and total trip cost.

Keep in mind that cheaper policies often mean lower coverage. Be sure to review the trip interruption and cancellation coverage percentages, baggage loss coverage, flight connection coverage, medical maximums, and medical evacuation maximums to find out if a low-cost plan is really worth it if you aren’t fully covered. Search for policies with 100%+ cancellation and interruption coverage and offer over $500,000 in medical coverage.

To help you better understand how these factors can affect your travel insurance costs, we’ve outlined several traveler profiles and the average cost of coverage for each in the table below.

*We calculated average plan costs by obtaining quotes from each provider in our review across all available plans in April 2024.

“Travel insurance is a way for insurance companies to manage the statistical probabilities of various risks on behalf of travelers. Travel insurance premiums are calculated based on various factors, including the destination, traveler’s age and other conditions, estimating the associated risk and price insurance accordingly.”

Factors That Affect Travel Insurance Cost

Travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all plan. Several factors determine the cost of your travel insurance, which we’ve listed below.

• Age: Many travel insurance companies increase costs and coverage amounts with age. You should expect to pay more the older you are, as age often correlates with increased risk. Typically, prices are the same for travelers up to age 50 and increase from there.
• Plan type: There are many different types of travel insurance policies. The more protection you need, the more expensive your travel insurance will be. Some basic plans may only provide flight or medical protection, so those will be the cheapest. If your plan covers multiple means of travel (like flights, rental cars, a cruise, etc.) or more risk-prone sports (like rock climbing), you’ll pay more.
• Add-on coverages: Most plans allow you to add certain features without having to upgrade your entire plan. For example, you may be able to buy basic flight insurance for $30 and add CFAR coverage for an additional $30.
• Number of travelers: While you can buy a single policy for multiple travelers, each traveler will have their own premium, which increases the total cost of the travel insurance. However, many travel insurance companies offer group-rate discounts.
• Trip cost: The more expensive your trip, the more it would cost the travel insurance company to reimburse it. As such, your travel insurance premium will increase alongside your reported total trip cost.
• Trip length: Another no-brainer — the longer the trip, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. Longer trips are not only more expensive but also increase the chances of something going wrong.
• Destination: Your travel insurance provider will take the risk factor of your trip destination into consideration when determining the cost of travel insurance. It’s less focused on crime statistics and more focused on the likelihood of danger. For example, if you’re embarking on a rural jungle adventure, you’ll probably have a more expensive travel insurance cost compared to staying in a populous city with a high crime rate.

How To Find Cheap Travel Insurance

Protecting your vacation with travel insurance does not have to break the bank. Consider these tips to find the best possible pricing on travel coverage for your upcoming trip.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes

Every travel insurance company uses an in-house underwriting formula to determine how much you’ll pay for travel insurance. It’s possible to find the same level of travel insurance from five different travel insurance companies at five different price points.

The only way to know which travel insurance company has the most affordable coverage for your trip is to get a quote from multiple providers. We recommend getting a quote from at least three competing travel insurance companies before making your final choice. While getting a quote takes only a few minutes, it could end up saving you hundreds of dollars on insurance.

Determine the Right Amount of Coverage

Another way to save money on travel insurance is to opt for a policy with only the coverages that you need. For example, most travel insurance providers offer the option to add CFAR coverage, which entitles you to reimbursement for travel expenses no matter why you need to cancel your trip. While this add-on can be convenient, it is also expensive, and you can save a significant amount on coverage by opting out. Once you confirm your travel plans, you can avoid unnecessary expenses by purchasing only the coverage you need.

Check Credit Card and Employer Benefits

Before purchasing travel insurance, it can be helpful to call your credit card company to learn more about your benefits. Many credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire Preferred , come with built-in perks, including rental car coverage, trip cancellation protection, and travel accident insurance. If you’re able to claim these coverages through your credit card company, you won’t need to buy added coverage through a travel insurer, saving you money.

If you’re traveling for business, you can ask if you have any coverage through your employer. Some large employers that fund corporate travel regularly broker discounted group travel plans for their employees, allowing you to avoid buying your own coverage. Even if your employer only offers a limited travel plan, you may only need to fund supplemental coverage to enjoy full travel protection.

Weigh the Value vs. the Cost

As you compare policy options and collect quotes, take the time to understand the exact coverage levels included in each plan. Sometimes, cheap travel insurance is cheap for a reason — a low-priced plan may exclude circumstances you expect coverage for, limiting the usefulness of your policy.

After getting a quote from a travel insurance provider, make a note of important policy details. For example, if you’re opting for CFAR coverage, how much will you be reimbursed if you cancel your trip ? What types of medical conditions and injuries does your policy exclude? What is the maximum amount your insurance will pay if you miss a flight, must come home early or face another emergency? These important questions can help you compare policies and determine the value of your coverage.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

If you’ve never purchased it before, you might be wondering what travel insurance is and what it covers .

As we’ve seen by comparing companies and policies, travel insurance can cover a wide array of things. But some of the most basic coverages are as follows:

Created with Sketch Beta. Trip cancellation protection: Compensates you for nonrefundable trip payments prepaid to your hotel, airline , cruise and other vendors if you’re forced to cancel your trip for a covered reason.

Created with Sketch Beta. Trip interruption protection: Compensates you for nonrefundable trip expenses if you’re forced to leave your vacation early for a reason stated in your policy.

Created with Sketch Beta. Baggage delay and loss: Compensates you for lost, stolen or delayed baggage costs .

Created with Sketch Beta. Emergency medical expenses: This covers the cost of expenses if you’re injured, become ill or experience a medical issue on a trip. Some travel insurance plans also include coverage limits for dental costs.

“One critical factor in evaluating travel insurance policies is what constitutes a covered reason for a cancellation. In general, the cancellation usually must be due to unanticipated circumstances. Examples would possibly include medical treatment for injuries, death of a traveling companion, jury duty, losing your job and weather-related service disruptions.”

Common Add-Ons

If you buy a cheap travel insurance plan, it will likely only protect you from the most basic issues. But if you pay a little extra, you can add on coverage for things you might be more likely to need, including:

• Cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage: When you claim reimbursement through your travel insurance policy, you’ll need to prove why you’re canceling. With a CFAR upgrade, you can cancel your trip for any reason and still claim a percentage reimbursement on nonrefundable costs.
• Interrupt-for-any-reason (IFAR) coverage: IFAR coverage is similar to CFAR coverage except that it protects you starting 72 hours after your departure until the end of your trip. If you have to cut your trip short for any reason, IFAR will reimburse 75% of the total amount of coverage you purchased for any non-refundable travel arrangements.
• Collision coverage waiver: Extends your rental car coverage to include collision damage.
• Financial default: This type of coverage applies if your airline, resort or other trip vendor declares bankruptcy.
• Pre-existing conditions waiver: Most standard travel insurance policies exclude health conditions if you show symptoms before buying travel insurance. An add-on allows you to extend your coverage to waive pre-existing condition exclusions.

ASK THE EXPERTS

the key to real savings is asking yourself, ‘Why am I or we are taking the trip?’ 

If the trip is a more cultural and educational experience, such as for young kids, you can save by using public transportation, eating where locals go, and going to museums and cultural centers with free activities.”

Professor and Director

Purdue University Tourism and Hospitality Research

Start your trip mid-week : This may vary by destination, but in general, I’ve found that traveling on a Wednesday [or midweek] is a lot cheaper than on a Friday or Saturday.

Save on beverages : For many restaurants, beverages are some of the most profitable items. Substituting a few sodas and alcoholic drinks with store-bought water can help save some dollars.

Know your destination seasons : Some destinations are busier in the summers [and] others in the winter. However, the low season might be cheap for a reason. For example, you may be able to get a cheap hotel rate in Florida or the Caribbean during September, but keep in mind it’s the peak of the hurricane season. “

Department Chair and Associate Professor

Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology 

and look for deals on lodging, flights and fun activities. I also suggest travelers look at going a little more rustic, such as camping in a tent or staying in a yurt, which can be cheaper than a hotel. “

Assistant Professor Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism at Texas A&M University

search your location and dates on the internet, then wait. Within 24 hours you will start getting targeted offers, some with more competitive prices. Use a metacrawler site, like Kayak, so you can compare prices from a variety of suppliers. Be careful and pay attention to the cancel-by dates if your agenda is fluid.

Select a safe and clean hotel and spend more money on tours, meals and theater to get a more authentic experience. Search out the beaten path of locally-owned restaurants and hotels to get a more authentic experience.”

International Management Program at the Pace University Lubin School of Business

  Read bio

and how they may impact your travel. Know what is in your price range and what is not. It is also important to build in an extra cushion for that unexpected expense. Most of the mistakes travelers make come from not doing proper research and thinking that one exception to the budget will not matter. The cost of traveling by rideshare versus taking the subway may change one’s entire budget, for example. “

College of Hospitality at University of South Carolina

Is Cheaper Travel Insurance Worth It?

When deciding if travel insurance is worth it , we recommend you consider your personal circumstances before making any decisions about a policy. For example, if you’ve purchased an expensive airline ticket — especially one with multiple layovers — you may decide to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment. Travel medical insurance policies can also provide peace of mind around a potential medical emergency abroad, for example, if you are traveling to a remote location.   

While many companies offer cheap travel insurance, not all policies are created equal. As you compare the best travel insurance plans, consider which coverages you can sacrifice to maintain valuable protections and save money. For example, if you have a health care policy that covers you abroad or a credit card that provides rental car coverage, you will not need a plan that includes these protections.

No matter what kind of travel insurance coverage you’re looking for, we recommend comparing premiums from at least three of our top travel insurance companies before deciding whether travel insurance is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Travel Insurance

What is the cheapest travel insurance.

Our travel insurance comparison found that Nationwide offers some of the most affordable basic travel protection options for international travel insurance. However, we recommend getting a quote from each provider recommended above before you purchase travel insurance, as prices will vary based on the traveler, trip details, budget and destination.

What are the different types of cheap travel insurance?

There are multiple types of cheap travel insurance, including policies that include coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay and medical treatments issued abroad. Some travel insurance providers offer robust plans with various benefits, while others offer more affordable policies with limited benefits. The latter usually only allows you to cancel for a covered reason to receive a reimbursement for airfare , hotel costs and other nonrefundable expenses.

Do cheap travel insurance plans include COVID-19 coverage?

While travel restrictions have lifted immensely since 2021, COVID-19 concerns are still impacting travelers in 2023. According to a study from AAA , about 31% more Americans now choose to cover their trip costs with travel insurance compared to pre-pandemic.

Many of the companies we’ve reviewed in this guide offer some type of coverage for COVID-19, but it may be more limited in a basic plan. Now that COVID-19 has become less of a threat, many travel insurance policies treat it like any other illness under medical insurance. If you’re in a group at a higher risk of COVID-19 and believe a new strain might affect your travel plan, consider upgrading to CFAR insurance to extend your cancellation coverage to situations like fear of flying or illness.

What is the average cost of travel insurance?

You can expect to pay between 4% and 12% of your total trip cost for your international travel insurance, according to Generali Global Assistance . Actual costs will vary depending on trip details and the type of coverage you select.

What is the best type of travel insurance coverage?

The best travel insurance for your needs might vary depending on the specifics of your trip. For example, if you’re a student taking a budget trip to Mexico for spring break, Trawick’s low-cost basic plan might offer the most bang for your buck. If you’re planning a cruise, Nationwide’s cruise-specific coverage might provide peace of mind. We recommend getting at least three quotes from competing providers to be sure you’re getting the best coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• 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

Additional Travel Insurance Resources

• Best COVID-19 travel insurance companies
• Best cruise insurance plans
• Best travel insurance companies
• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for USA visitors
• Best senior travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for families
• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies - Top Plans 2024

On This Page

• Key Takeaways

Our picks for the best cheap travel insurance companies of 2024

2 types of cheap travel insurance, how to get discount travel insurance, how much does budget travel insurance cost, types of coverage to look for when buying cheap travel insurance, drawbacks of buying a cheap travel insurance plan, our tips for buying good, cheap travel insurance, is cheap travel insurance worth it, faqs on cheap travel insurance.

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• Based on our research, the best cheap travel insurance plans of 2024 come from TinLeg, AEGIS , Travelex, IMG, Battleface, Nationwide, & Berkshire Hathaway. ( Skip ahead to view these plans)
• The cheapest travel insurance plans will offer medical-only coverage . Adding trip cost reimbursement coverage will roughly double the cost . However, it may still be very affordable .
• Cheap plans may not always be good plans. In this guide, all of the plans we mention are both inexpensive and offer good coverage .
• For solid coverage, choose a plan that offers emergency travel medical coverage , plus coverage for interruptions, and travel delays. Cancellation reimbursement coverage is optional.
• To help save money, identify what coverage you actually need and what you can forego.
• We recommend using a comparison tool to find the cheapest travel insurance as it lets you see quotes multiple providers at once.

Best Value Overall

Why We Like It

Editor's take

Not only is the TinLeg brand affordable, but it also offers great, comprehensive coverage and boasts some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings around. There are many plans to choose from under the TinLeg brand, ranging from economy, standard, silver, gold, etc. However, we like the standard plan as the best cheap option.

The standard plan comes with $50,000 in medical expense coverage, and also covers $200,000 in medical evacuation coverage, which should be enough for most trips abroad. You also get trip 150% interruption & 100% cancellation reimbursement coverage included as part of the plan.

When we compared cheap plans from a range of providers, The Basic plan offers the best coverage overall for travelers on a budget. Best of all, Tin Leg offers a wide range of plans, so if you can afford to spend slightly more, you’ll have a wealth of options with higher coverage to choose from.

Based on the high customer reviews, ample coverage, and low price, we think TinLeg is the best plan for people on a tight budget.

Read our full review

• Strong coverage for a budget plan
• Covers hurricanes and inclement weather
• Covers pre-existing conditions if purchased in time
• No CFAR add-on
• Secondary medical coverage
• Long time limit for covering missed connections

Cheapest Comprehensive Coverage

Aegis Go Ready Choice is one of the cheapest travel insurance plans on the market.

Despite being affordable, it offers just enough coverage for most travelers on a budget. With this plan, you’ll have $50k in medical expense reimbursement coverage if you fall ill or become injured while traveling. This is enough for minor medical interventions, but you’ll also get a solid $250k in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. This coverage offers medical rescue and escorts back to the US where you can get quality medical treatment and your US health insurance can take over.

Apart from this, Aegis Go Ready Choice covers travel delays, baggage delays, personal item loss, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment, and full trip cancellation/interruption benefits.

All of this makes Aegis a top contender for solid coverage at an affordable price point.

• One of the cheapest providers around
• Comprehensive coverage on a budget
• Strong cancellation & interruption coverage
• Optional upgrade covers pre-existing conditions
• Secondary medical coverage (not primary)

High-level Coverage at Affordable Prices

The iTravelInsured Travel SE plan from IMG is a solid plan that offers affordability and flexibility for travelers of all ages. This plan is great for both domestic and international trips and is available to everyone aged 99 or younger.

**If you are looking for high-level coverage at affordable prices, look no further. **

With this plan, you’ll get up to $250,000 of coverage for emergency medical expenses and $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains. These levels are high enough for almost any trip imaginable. Apart from this, the plan comes with 100% trip cancellation and 150% trip interruption reimbursement as well as up to $2,000 in protection for trip delays.

This plan comes with plenty of benefits for families and groups needing affordable coverage and can cover trips lasting up to 180 days. We also like that you can buy coverage up until the day you depart on your trip.

• Purchase your plan up until one day before you depart
• Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
• Pre-existing condition waiver available if purchased within 20 days of initial trip deposit
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
• Plan gets notably more expensive with age

Best for Basic Coverage

Travelex insurance services.

Travelex is a highly-rated travel insurance company that has been in business since 1976. This provider offers a range of trip insurance plans that can suit any type of party, as well as affordable coverage options at a budget-friendly price point.

The Travelex Travel Basic plan offers essential coverages as well as 24/7 travel assistance services. Purchasing this plan gives you up to $15,000 in protection for emergency medical expenses, up to $10,000 in coverage for trip interruptions and cancellations, $500 in protection for trip delays (up to $250 per day), and up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation.

Customers also get limited coverage for baggage and personal effects, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).

• Comes with basic coverage options most travelers need
• Relatively high limits for emergency evacuation
• Primary coverage with no deductibles required
• Comes with 24/7 travel assistance services
• Kids not included in pricing
• No option to add on “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage
• Low limits for lost luggage and baggage delays
• Only comes with $15,000 in protection for emergency medical and dental expenses

Build your own plan for customized coverage

Battleface is unique in the travel insurance market because you can completely customize your plan and coverage, a feature not usually offered by other providers.

With Battleface, you are able to pick and choose what coverage you need and forego the rest.

For instance, if you’re traveling from LA to NYC and already have health insurance that covers you while in NYC, it wouldn’t make sense to double up on additional travel medical coverage. Instead, you may only want protection for things like trip cancellations, travel delays, lost or damaged baggage, rental car issues, or other scenarios.** With Battleface, you can buy only the coverage you need, without paying for unnecessary extras which keeps the cost low.**

Battleface is an ideal choice for those looking to save money and for travelers who already have some coverage through services like credit cards, AAA memberships, or domestic health insurance plans, to name a few examples.

• Plan is completely customizable & affordable with all add-ons
• Forgoing unnecessary coverage makes this plan very cheap
• High CFAR coverage limit (75% of trip costs)
• CFAR not available for trips costing over $10,000/ travel party.
• Secondary medical coverage with $50 deductible (when choosing this add-on)

Best Single-Trip Coverage

Nationwide mutual insurance company.

While Nationwide offers high-quality multi-trip travel insurance, we believe their single-trip plans offer a ton of value. In most cases, customers can turn to this company to get basic travel insurance coverage for a very affordable price depending on their travel destination and dates.

The Single-Trip Essential plan from Nationwide offers bare-bones travel insurance protection that’s relatively low-cost for what you get in return.

This plan comes with:

• Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellation
• Up to $12,500 in coverage for trip interruptions
• $150 per day in protection for trip delays ($600 maximum)
• Up to $600 in protection for baggage and personal effects
• $75,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in protection for emergency evacuation

Other benefits include $500 in emergency dental coverage, up to $100 in protection for baggage delays, and emergency travel assistance.

• Comes with a 10-day review period
• Relatively high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• The lowest cost for comprehensive coverage across providers we compared
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• Lower coverage limits than other plans we compared
• Emergency medical coverage is secondary to your own insurance (when applicable)

Bare Bones Coverage for Domestic Travel

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

This plan comes from a solid provider and offers bare-bones coverage for people on a budget.

The caveat with this plan is that you only get $10K of coverage for medical expenses, which may not be enough if you get seriously injured or ill while away. On the other hand, if you plan to travel domestically and have a US health insurance plan, then the additional travel protection offered by this plan may be worth the cost.

While it may not reimburse all your expenses, this plan offers solid medical evacuation limits of $100k, as well as basic trip cancellation and interruption coverage, making it worth considering.

• Free coverage for two children per adult
• Offers hurricane and weather coverage
• Cancelation & interruption coverage
• Includes emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Lower average cost for coverage
• Free look up to 15 days after purchase
• Lower medical coverage limits

Travel insurance policies are regularly divided into two distinctive groups: medical-only and comprehensive coverage plans. When looking for the cheapest travel insurance, it’s important to understand the trade-off between the price you pay and the coverage you receive.

Below we will break down both medical-only coverage and comprehensive coverage, helping you understand the differences between the two.

Medical-only travel insurance

Medical-only travel insurance plans are policies that simply include coverage for medical-related incidents. Emergency medical coverage will cover you for such things as hospital treatment due to sicknesses, injuries, or accidents that occur during your trip. Alongside this, your medical-only policy will also cover you for emergency medical evacuations - ensuring you are covered should you need to be evacuated to the nearest hospital.

Medical coverage is essential for any vacation and choosing a medical-only plan will inevitably keep your costs down. However, cheap travel insurance isn’t always the best choice and it isn’t without its drawbacks . For a far better range of coverage, paying that little extra for a comprehensive plan can go a long way.

Comprehensive travel insurance

A far better alternative to medical-only travel insurance is a comprehensive travel insurance plan. By paying a little higher on your insurance premiums, you can ensure you are covered for much more than medical emergencies.

A comprehensive plan will include extras such as trip cancellations , loss of baggage, trip interruptions, and much more. By simply choosing the cheapest travel insurance policy, you are possibly leaving yourself open to far higher costs down the line. However, with comprehensive coverage, you are protected should your vacation experience any delays, cancellations, or non-medical mishaps.

Annual travel insurance

An easy way to reduce travel insurance costs is to purchase an annual plan . If you know you will travel at least twice in 12 months, an annual plan will often work out far cheaper than a single policy . Although the overall price will depend on your destination and length of trip, you also have the added comfort of knowing the policy is in place should you decide to take a third trip.

Only purchase the travel insurance coverage you need

It’s also important to focus on what you actually need versus opting for all the bells and whistles since travel insurance gets more expensive with the more coverage you add. For example, a city break to Paris, France may require far less coverage than a two-week trekking holiday in Australia . Insurance providers such as Battleface are ideal for this, as they allow you only to buy the type of coverage you need.

You can find cheap international travel insurance for as little as a few dollars per day depending on where you are going. The cheapest travel insurance plans are almost always emergency medical travel insurance.

Also, the cost of your travel insurance will depend heavily on your age, trip destination and duration, and what type of coverage you are looking for.

Logically, plans get more expensive as you add more types of coverage options.

To keep travel insurance cheap, you should consider forgoing trip cancellation coverage or plans that reimburse you for the total trip cost. Sticking to medical benefits, baggage benefits, and coverage for other inconveniences can help keep you covered without breaking the bank.

To give you an example, we did a cost exercise and got quotes for travel insurance for a trip with the following example parameters:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Mexico
• Trip Length: 14 days
• Trip cost: $3,000
• Date: September, 2024

We compared the cheapest travel insurance plans based on whether or not they reimbursed you for the total trip cost.

Cost Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse Full Trip Cost

As you can see in the example above, travel insurance can cost as little as $1.20/day when you opt for standard coverage. It’s easy to get extremely cheap travel insurance that offers emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, and other trip incidentals when you forego coverage that reimburses your full trip cost.

In the next table, we will look at how much the same plans would cost if we add coverage that can reimburse you for the full cost of the trip (i.e. hotels, rental cars, flights, etc).

Cost Example Where Plan Will Reimburse The Full Trip Cost

What’s clear from this exercise is that you can get basic travel health coverage for quite cheap including for trips lasting 2 weeks or more.

This is far less than the average cost of insurance oversall. Between January 2023 and January 2024, insurance policies cost, on average, around $307. This being said, the cost of travel insurance can vary between travel insurance providers and depends on the overall cost of your trip.

If you would like to have a look yourself and see how much a cheap travel insurance plan could cost you, the search tool below will pull up plans and prices from multiple providers based on your trip details.

Average insurance premiums

When it comes to travel insurance, cheap plans are not always good plans, much like flight insurance .

So, as you compare insurance companies, it’s important to think about the coverage options you’ll need for your trip to find the best value travel insurance policy for your budget.

Here is a list of essential travel protections you should look for when buying cheap or affordable travel insurance:

Emergency travel medical insurance coverage

Protection for emergency medical expenses is likely the most important protection you should have, particularly if you’re traveling outside of the United States or in an area where your own health insurance will not apply.

For international trips such as to the Bahamas , for example, you should aim to have a minimum of $50,000 in coverage for emergency illnesses and injuries that could occur post-departure.

If you have pre-existing medical issues, look for a policy that covers them with or without an additional charge. Typically, pre-existing conditions are not covered by travel insurance unless you get a plan made for pre-existing conditions or meet the waiver criteria.

For people like senior citizens who are looking for a senior travel insurance plan , you may want to consider paying a bit extra to ensure your pre-existing conditions are covered rather than opting for the cheapest international travel insurance.

COVID-19 coverage

Check to make sure your travel health insurance comes with coverage for COVID and that your travel medical coverage treats coronavirus as every other illness. Fortunately, most insurance companies have expanded their coverage to include COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, so this should not be hard to come by. That said, it’s important to still ensure it’s included.

Medical evacuation coverage

Having adequate coverage for medical evacuation is also crucial , mostly because the cost of this emergency care can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. If you have to be airlifted from the side of a mountain or flown home to receive adequate medical care for a life-threatening illness or injury, you’ll be glad to have this protection.

Generally speaking, you should aim to have at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage even if you opt for a budget travel insurance plan.

Protection for travel delays

If you’re looking to purchase cheap international travel insurance for any type of trip, you may want to ensure you have coverage for travel delays in place. This type of insurance can pay for lodging costs, meals, and other incidental expenses that pop up when your flight is delayed for at least six to 12 hours. If you purchased a policy directly from an airline, this type of protection is commonly included. However, you’ll want to check the protection limits as flight insurance plans often aren’t worth it due to lower coverages than traditional travel insurance.

Some travel insurance plans also include travel protection for cruises , which are notorious for leaving late.

Insurance for luggage issues

Lost or delayed baggage is a common occurrence these days, and there’s not much you can do about it if you have to check a bag. For this reason, you may want to buy a travel insurance policy that comes with reimbursement for lost luggage and protection for delayed bags.

Lost luggage reimbursement will typically pay you for misplaced or stolen luggage and personal belongings. Baggage delay coverage will pay you a daily amount (usually $100 to $250) for any clothing, toiletries, and other essentials you buy when your bags are delayed while in transit with a common carrier.

Trip cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation coverage is a godsend when you end up having to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as the run up to a Christmas to trip to Mexico . This type of coverage can kick in when a trip must be canceled for reasons beyond your control, such as the illness, injury, or death of a traveling companion or family member or inclement weather that prevents you from traveling.

While it’s one of the best types of travel insurance to have, it’s important to note that cancellation insurance is one of the variables that can greatly influence the cost of your travel insurance plan. By foregoing this coverage, you can typically save big on your premium. You are can also consider cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage , allowing you to cancel your trip regardelss of the reason.

While we wholeheartedly support buying a cheaper travel insurance plan, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind before you purchase.

Ideally, you will be able to find a plan that meets your needs at an affordable price. However, you may have to compromise to be able to save money on your policy.

Some of the downsides of opting for a cheap travel insurance policy include:

• Lower coverage limits
• Less coverage overall
• Exclusions in the fine print

Cheap travel insurance usually has lower coverage limits

Low-cost travel insurance plans typically come with lower policy limits overall. For example, choosing a cheap insurance policy may mean having $50,000 in emergency medical coverage instead of $250,000 or more, or having limited coverage for perils like baggage delays or lost luggage.

That said, the limits of most travel insurance plans can be customized to meet your needs. Likewise, lower policy limits may be sufficient for the trip you are planning, so it’s important to check your needs before buying.

Inexpensive plans often include fewer types of coverage

Some cheap travel plans exclude certain types of coverage, or they stick to offering medical-only protection and fail to offer non-medical travel insurance altogether. This is not always an issue, but it may not be enough for all types of trips.

If you’re planning on going on multiple trips during the year, it may save you money to buy a multi-trip travel insurance policy instead of multiple single-trip policies.

Sometimes the fine print excludes important coverage

Before you buy an insurance policy that’s cheaper than the rest, make sure to read over the fine print and compare several alternative policies side-by-side. You may find that fine print applies, or that some of the coverage you get is secondary and only applicable after you use your own insurance.

There are several ways to reduce the price of your travel insurance policy, many of which we have covered above.

That said, here are a few tips to help you find a good, cheap travel insurance policy:

Consider foregoing trip reimbursement coverage

Skipping trip reimbursement coverage, such as cancellation insurance, can typically shave $100 or more off the cost of your travel insurance while still affording you important medical coverage.

Skip optional add-ons & unnecessary coverage

Focus only on getting the coverage you actually need. For example, if you are traveling within the U.S. or to another destination where your own health insurance will apply, you may not need to pay for travel insurance that includes medical coverage. In a similar way, travel insurance companies make add-ons tempting, however, they may not be truly necessary. Weigh your options according to your budget and needs, and go from there.

Check your credit card for travel insurance

We recommend checking whether you have a credit card that offers free travel protection. If you do, you may be able to purchase a low-cost travel insurance plan and use your credit card coverage to supplement your paid plan. You can also consider signing up for a new travel credit card that offers some perks and benefits you’ll be able to use. For example, Chase Sapphire travel insurance and American Express travel insurance automatically come with trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage, baggage delay insurance, trip delay insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, and several other perks.

Get a travel insurance quote from at least three top travel insurance companies

Compare policies from several companies to ensure you get the best deal. We recommend using a travel insurance comparison tool like the one found on our site. Comparison tools take out all of the backwork and allow you to compare multiple providers side-by-side to get a clearer picture of what is being offered and how each plan lines up against the competition. They also allow you to see several price points to ensure you find the best deal for you.

Shop for a policy early

While not always the case, you may have better luck getting a good deal on coverage if you shop as early as you can. Ideally, you’ll begin comparing travel insurance plans as soon as you make your first trip deposit, even if the departure date for your trip is a year or longer away.

Opting for a cheap travel insurance plan is worth the expense if you end up having to use it. While cheap travel insurance plans may not always cover 100% of your non-refundable trip expenses, they can return a large portion of your money in the event of a disaster.

A real-world example happened to one of our LA Times Compare staff editors named Allen. Allen planned a $3,600 trip to the Bahamas toward the end of the pandemic and opted for a cheap travel insurance plan which cost around $50. It was relatively limited and was geared toward trip interruption. He contracted COVID and had to miss his trip, but thanks to the cheap plan he bought, he was able to get $1,600 back from the travel insurance company, as well as some refunds directly offered by the airlines. In the end, he was only left out-of-pocket by a little over $1200. While the cheap policy was limited, it largely bore the brunt of the missed vacation and helped him recover the majority of the trip cost.

Ultimately, insurance is only worth it if you end up having to use it. However, the peace of mind it can bring is invaluable.

What is the cheapest travel insurance plan?

Based on our research and comparison of 30+ providers, Nationwide insurance offered the cheapest travel insurance plans for general/comprehensive coverage. If you wan’t a plan for medical-only coverage, we found that WorldTrips travel insurance offered the most affordable options.

What's a good price for travel insurance?

You can typically find cheap travel insurance plans at around 4% of the total trip cost – sometimes even less.

In general, travel insurance usually costs around 5-6% of the total cost of your trip. Therefore, anything less is considered a good deal.

Ultimately, the exact cost of travel insurance depends on factors like where you’re traveling, when you’re traveling, the length of your trip, and more. Keep in mind that certain types of travel insurance, like Cancel for Any Reason insurance, can increase the price of your trip coverage.

What are the different types of cheap travel insurance?

The cheapest type of travel insurance is basic travel health insurance. However, there are many types of travel coverage included in cheap plans.

The most important types of coverage to look for when opting for cheap travel insurance are trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption protection, trip delay insurance, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation insurance, and insurance for lost or delayed baggage.

How much does travel insurance cost, on average?

Based on our internal findings, the cost of a budget travel insurance plan ranges from $58 up to $751. However, the price for travel insurance will vary based on the details you input when you get a quote, such as your age, the length of your trip, and your total trip cost.

Is it worth it to pay for travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is worth the investment. Paying for travel insurance may seem like a waste of money if you never get to use it, but what this coverage really offers is peace of mind. Having travel insurance in place can make your trip considerably more worry-free, and you’ll have the financial protection you can count on if you become sick or injured during your trip, your bags are lost, or something else goes wrong at the worst possible time.

If you want to ease all your travel-related worries and truly enjoy each trip you’ve worked hard to pay for, investing in a travel insurance policy makes financial sense.

Is there a cheap option for pregnancy travel insurance?

Most affordable travel insurance plans won’t cover scenarios relating to a normal, healthy pregnancy or child birth. However, some may cover unexpected medical complications or emergencies relating to pregnancy. It’s important to check your policy or talk to a representative from the insurance company to understand your coverage and what pregnancy travel insurance benefits they specifically offer.

About the Author

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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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?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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.

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.

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.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.