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Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Click profile to compare 5-Star Outstanding Value Travel Insurance:

International travel, trans-tasman travel, south pacific cruise, seniors travel, 5-star international travel insurance, 5-star trans-tasman travel insurance, 5-star south pacific cruise travel insurance, 5-star seniors travel insurance.

2023 Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

Compare Travel Insurance by Destination

Canstar’s full travel insurance Star Ratings break down the best insurance providers and products for the following global holiday destinations, plus all destinations for senior travellers:

• Africa & Middle East
• Domestic Cruise
• Pacific Cruise
• Seniors – all destinations

Important information

• The Star Ratings in this table were awarded November 2023. The current features, rates and fees may be different to what was rated. The Star Rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering a product. See our Ratings Methodology .
• The initial table display is sorted by Star Rating and then alphabetically by company.
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• Data in the table is updated from time to time to reflect product changes notified to us by product issuers. Check current product details and investment options with the product issuer. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a purchase decision.
• The table above may not include all providers in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances.
• Canstar may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship (advertising) of certain products. Payment of sponsorship fees does not influence the star rating that Canstar awards to a sponsored product. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a sponsored product does not indicate any ranking, rating or endorsement by Canstar. See  How We Get Paid  for further information.

Compare Travel Money Cards

Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

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What is travel insurance and why do you need it when you travel?

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is financial cover for emergencies, accidents or loss that might occur to you or your belongings while you are travelling either domestically or internationally.

Why do you need travel insurance?

The New Zealand government website SafeTravel recommends travel insurance for anyone taking a trip away from home, especially overseas.

If you don’t have travel insurance and you lose your luggage, have an accident, medical emergency, or legal incident, you could face huge bills.

Cancelled flights and hotel accommodation can leave you out of pocket by thousands of dollars, but medical expenses can be even worse. A health emergency overseas can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, if you have travel insurance, you can travel confidently knowing you can get financial help in an emergency.

What else should you do before you travel?

In addition to organising travel insurance, before you leave:

• If you are going overseas, visit the SafeTravel website’s Travel Advisories page to ascertain the current risks of travelling to your chosen destination. If a country is flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory, be aware that you may not be able to obtain insurance for the trip.
• Regardless of where you are going, register your plans with SafeTravel. Your details will be stored securely and only used to reach you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have all the relevant travel documentation to take with you on your trip, and that a trusted friend or relation in NZ has a copy, too.
• Record the contact details of the New Zealand Embassy in your country of destination – just in case you need it.

Types of travel insurance and what they cover

There are two types of travel insurance cover policies.

1. Domestic travel insurance

Domestic travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Lost or stolen luggage or other items
• Cancelling your trip unexpectedly due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked, or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination
• Rental vehicle excess you have to pay if you have an accident driving a hire car
• Legal liability: the vast majority of policies researched include coverage for legal liability. Don’t take this as an excuse to break the law, though – you may end up invalidating your policy!

Domestic travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• Medical cover. However, this is not a big problem because, as long as you’re in New Zealand, you can still access publicly funded health services or your private health insurance , if you have it
• Certain “hazardous pursuits”. If you’re doing dangerous activities on your holiday, such as skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping or rock climbing, you need to disclose it on your application. However, even if you disclose it, you still might not be covered for an accident that happens because of that activity, as it may be excluded from the policy. Ensure you read your policy terms and conditions carefully

2. International travel insurance

International travel insurance policies usually cover you for events such as:

• Medical or dental emergency. Typical emergency medical cover will include hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation to another country’s hospital. If your medical situation is not an emergency, it is recommend you contact your insurer before you receive treatment, to check if it’s covered by your policy
• Repatriation if you fall sick overseas and need to be evacuated back to NZ for treatment. Or if tragedy strikes, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to NZ. Some travel insurance policies also include a separate sum for funeral expenses
• Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items. Replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance
• Legal liability if you break a local law and need a lawyer and/or interpreter. Ignorance of local law is no excuse in most countries, so make sure you check SafeTravel before you depart. For example, in some Muslim countries it is an offence to wear a bikini on a public beach. If you break a law on purpose, your travel insurance policy may not cover your legal fees

International travel insurance usually doesn’t cover you for:

• High-risk countries. Check the government’s SafeTravel website for the travel advisory status of your destination. Countries flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory may not be covered under your policy
• Risky behavior. Any injury or loss caused by you behaving recklessly while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be excluded from cover. This doesn’t apply to medication prescribed to you by a doctor and taken as prescribed
• Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have experienced symptoms of a condition before travelling, even if the condition wasn’t diagnosed, medical expenses for it will generally not be covered. Read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully
• High-value items. Many policies have a dollar limit that you can claim for each item, which may not be as much as it costs to replace the item
• Notification period. Your policy may specify that you need to notify your insurer of an accident or event within a specified timeframe, such as 24 hours. It’s important to be aware of that notification period and to call your insurer as soon as you can, in the event of a potential claim
• Loss of items left unattended. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. You might not be covered if you leave your wallet and keys wrapped in a towel on the beach, or hidden in a shared room, or even in your checked-in luggage
• Hazardous pursuits. Dangerous activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, off-piste skiing and hang-gliding are usually excluded, but they can often be added to your policy for an extra fee. Also be aware that riding a moped or motorcycle overseas might also not be covered, even if you are legally entitled to ride one in NZ

NB: No travel insurance policy will cover you for every single thing that might go wrong while you’re away, so it’s important to read your policy’s terms and conditions carefully to discover the full extent of your cover.

Travel insurance glossary of terms

• Accident : An unexpected, unforeseeable, or unusual event that was unintended and caused loss or harm while you are on a trip covered by your policy.
• Accommodation : Any type of dwelling or lodging that you pay a fee to stay in overnight.
• Additional expenses : Additional expenses for accommodation and transportation that occur because of events such as illness, natural disasters, loss of travel documents, and transport union strikes.
• Beneficiary : The person who would receive compensation from your insurance policy if you were to pass away during your travels.
• Benefits: What your insurance provider gives you according to the terms of your policy. Benefits can apply if you make a claim or they can apply if a certain event happens, e.g. during an emergency.
• Cancellation or amendment costs : The cost of cancelling, changing, or rearranging your journey because of unforeseen circumstances outside your control such as illness, accidents and extreme weather events.
• Claim: A request for your insurance provider to pay certain expenses back to you in accordance with your policy.
• Cover or coverage : The extent of protection given to you by your policy. If you are covered for an event, it means that you can claim back from your insurance provider a specified amount of expenses you incurred during that event.
• Current market value : The amount of money you could get for an item if you sold it in the current local market. This amount is based on the original cost, the current condition and age of the item, and what it could be sold for in its present state.
• Damage: Harm or injury to a person or property, resulting in the property losing value or not being able to be used properly.
• Disability : A physical or mental condition that restricts a person’s movements, senses or activities. A disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognised by the law.
• Emergency medical care : Medical care that is needed in an unexpected emergency. This does not include any type of regular medical care or foreseeable medical needs.
• Endorsement: Any special condition listed on your insurance policy as an extra reason for you to buy the policy.
• Excess: The excess is an amount that you pay instead of the insurer, e.g. “the first” $250 or $500 of a claim. Insurers usually have either a policy with different excess options that you choose between, or separate policies that each have a different excess amount. You can pay a lower premium if you have a higher excess, but you need to be sure that you could afford to pay the excess unexpectedly if you had to make a claim.
• Exclusions : Anything that is not covered by your policy. Common exclusions include travel to high-risk countries, dangerous activities such as bungee jumping, risky behaviour, such as taking alcohol or drugs, pre-existing medical conditions, and loss of items left unattended.
• Home: Your usual place of residence in New Zealand.
• Incidental:  Costs associated with an unexpected covered event, which are not directly related to the event.
• Inclusions: Any event, item or expense that is covered by your policy.
• Injury: Anything that physically harms you and occurs by accidental or violent means, which is covered by your policy.
• Journey: One of the terms insurers use to talk about the period you’re covered for, from the time you leave home until the time you return to your home. Also known as your trip, voyage, or travels.
• Limit/benefit limit: Policies have a limit on the amount of benefits you can claim per year or per journey.
• Luggage and personal effects: Personal items that you own or carry with you on a trip that is covered. This includes but is not limited to: suitcase or backpack, clothing, jewellery, computer or laptop, your phone and other portable electrical devices or equipment.
• Medically necessary: Medical treatment that is needed to preserve your health, is suitable to treat your symptoms, and can be safely provided in your current location. This does not include treatment or procedures that are performed in your current location because it is merely convenient.
• Natural disaster: An event caused by nature and not by any human activity, including earthquakes, storms, bushfires and floods.
• Overseas medical expenses: Expenses incurred overseas for ambulance transport, hospital admission, surgical nursing, and emergency dental treatment.
• Period of cover: The time your travel is covered by your policy.
• Personal liability cover: Cover for costs incurred for which you are legally liable. You are legally liable if your negligence causes loss or damage to someone else’s property. Personal liability also covers you for injury to a person who is not a member of your family or travelling party. Personal liability cover does not cover damage you caused deliberately or that breaks the law; damage caused by your business or your employee; your ownership or use of a vehicle, aircraft or watercraft; or you passing on an illness to someone else.
• Policy:  The travel insurance contract you have taken out with an insurance provider.
• Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed in any form before you signed up for the insurance policy, whether or not you had your symptoms examined by a health practitioner. Your policy may usually list a time limit for the condition to be pre-existing, e.g. you have seen a medical practitioner in the past 90 days before you started your journey, or you have been prescribed a medication within the past 60 days.
• Premium: The amount you pay your insurance provider for your travel insurance cover. Your premium must be paid on time for your travel to be covered.
• Reasonable: When associated with an expense or cost, “reasonable” refers to what is usual, needed, and matches the standards of your previously scheduled travel.
• Refund: Cash or company credit that can be given to you as reimbursement for your expenses, according to the terms of your policy.
• Rental car insurance excess : The excess charged if your hire car is damaged or stolen.
• Resumption of journey benefit : The benefit you receive if you claim the expense of resuming your travels. You can make a claim if you had to return to New Zealand suddenly due to a serious injury, illness, or the death of one of your relatives or business partners in New Zealand.
• Sudden illness or serious injury : Illness or injury that occurs during your period of cover and requires immediate treatment by a health practitioner.
• Travel delay : Scheduled transport that is delayed by over six hours. Scheduled transport can include plane flights, trains, trams, buses, ferries or cruises.
• Unforeseen: Any circumstance that is out of your control. This can include illness, accident, cancelled flights, or natural disasters.

Which travel insurance providers are assessed by Canstar's ratings?

Products from the following travel insurance providers were rated in Canstar’s 2023 Travel Insurance Star Ratings and Awards:

• 1Cover Direct Insurance
• AA Insurance
• Air New Zealand
• American Express
• Chubb Insurance
• Cover-More Travel Insurance
• House of Travel
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance
• World Nomads

Recent Award Winners

View Canstar's Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards

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Columbus Wins 5-Stars for Outstanding Value Travel Insurance

Columbus Direct has won the highest star rating for international travel insurance in an extensive 2011 travel insurance survey by independent ratings agency, CANSTAR CANNEX.

In its research CANSTAR CANNEX compared and rated 42 travel insurance brands and 233 policies.

What are the CANSTAR CANNEX travel insurance star ratings ?

CANSTAR CANNEX travel insurance star ratings is a sophisticated rating methodology, unique to CANSTAR CANNEX, that compares the dominant travel insurance products in Australia .

The results are reflected in a consumer-friendly 5-star concept, with 5 stars signifying outstanding value offered by the product.

  How are the ‘ stars ’ calculated?

Each travel insurance product reviewed for the CANSTAR CANNEX travel insurance star ratings is awarded points for its comparative Pricing and for the array of positive Features attached to the product. Points are aggregated to achieve a Pricing score and a Features score.

View the full Canstar Cannex report here .

5-star columbus australian travel insurance Canstar canstar awards canstar cannex columbus direct International travel insurance

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• Best overall
• Best for trip cancellation
• Best for reputation
• How we reviewed cheap travel insurance

Best Cheap Travel Insurance of May 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 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.

Our top picks for the best cheap travel insurance

• Best overall: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for trip cancellation: GoReady travel insurance
• Best value: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for reputation: Trawick International Travel Insurance

How we rate the best cheap travel insurance »

Compare the Top Affordable Travel Insurance

The best travel insurance meets 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 overall: HTH Worldwide

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

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 here.

Best for trip cancellation: GoReady

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a CFAR upgrade add-on on certain plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comprehensive insurance plans include generous coverage for baggage loss, plus protection from hurricane and other intense weather-related issues
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Competitive pricing
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Online complaints about claims not being paid and non-responsiveness
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all more expensive plans include CFAR coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dropping rating with AM Best
• Annual and multi-trip plans available
• All plans include pandemic coverage for COVID-19
• Coverage for weather-related delays, cancellations and other incidents

The GoReady travel insurance 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 GoReady Travel Insurance review here.

Best value: Nationwide

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

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

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance  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 here

Best for reputation: Trawick

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

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

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

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

The Trawick International Travel Insurance Safe Travels Explorer plan has been purchased by more than 36,000 travelers since 2020, and it has great reviews to boot. And no wonder: Trawick offers generous trip delay coverage of up to $2,000 per person, although hopefully you won't need to reach that reimbursement amount because the daily limit is $150.

You'll also be able to rely on a $200 reimbursement per person for lost baggage - one of the higher amounts amongst these affordable plans, although this amount pales in comparison to the baggage loss coverage offered through the best travel credit cards .

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Types of Affordable Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage.

This type of insurance offers extensive protection, covering everything from medical issues to trip cancellations. While it's more expensive up front, it can save you a lot in the long run.

Medical-Only Coverage

As the name suggests, this policy focuses solely on medical emergencies, making it 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.

Benefits of Opting for Cheap Travel Insurance

Cost savings.

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

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's lacking. Many affordable policies offer substantial coverage, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

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 agency 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.

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 insurance here.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance FAQs

You can reduce the cost of travel insurance by opting for simpler coverage or choosing higher deductibles on travel medical insurance. 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.

Travel insurance is relatively cheap because it only covers you for a set period of time, and depending on your plan, the level of coverage you get may not be particularly high. However, even with high coverage limits and extras like cancel for any reason coverage , travel insurance is relatively affordable. 

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.

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.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

12 Best Travel Insurance Policies and Why You Need Them

By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

You’ve purchased your flights and booked your hotel. Now, what about travel insurance? These days, it’s easy to add coverage to your trip, but what's the best travel insurance policy to buy? And is the extra cost always necessary?

When planning a trip, nobody loves imagining worst-case scenarios and everyone has a different risk tolerance. For a weekend road trip , you may be willing to cross your fingers and suck up your losses should something go awry. But what if you’re shelling out for a longer, more complex and more expensive trip? You’ll likely want peace of mind when your risk and financial investment are greater.

When do you need travel insurance?

There’s nothing like bad luck to turn you into an insurance evangelist. For travel writer Katherine Fan, the epiphany came after a thunderstorm disrupted her flight in Chicago . “My bags didn't make it to Italy for more than five days, and my travel insurance covered all the costs for replacement items as well as the alternative transportation I had to rebook because of the delay,” she says. “I'll never live without it now.”

In general, the older you are and the more remote your destination, the more crucial it is to buy travel insurance. Lou Desiderio, a communications executive from Long Island, New York, recalls the time his octogenarian father became ill during a European cruise , and doctors recommended that his parents return home immediately. His parents’ travel insurance covered the lion’s share of the $9,500 they subsequently racked up in medical costs, ground transportation, flights, hotel, and meals. “You always wonder if the cost of insurance is worth it,” says Desiderio. “In this instance, it was absolutely worth it.”

“Not all domestic health and medical insurance plans will follow you outside your home country,” says Justin Tysdal, CEO of Seven Corners , a travel insurance provider. “Something as simple as twisting your ankle in a foreign country may not be covered and could result in expensive medical bills.”

Simply having travel insurance can have side benefits, too. “One of the best hidden perks is the 24/7 global travel assistance provided by the plan,” says Stan Sandberg, CEO of TravelInsurance.com . The hotline can be helpful in dealing with a multitude of unexpected issues, from currency conversion or cash transfers to replacing passports or IDs to finding a local physician.

Where can you find a good policy?

Travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators often offer an optional insurance add-on, but these plans tend to have been run through the company’s legal team and contain more exclusions. Travel rewards credit cards also offer some built-in insurance benefits to their cardholders, like trip cancellation coverage, delayed baggage coverage, and trip interruption and delay coverage. But you’ll often be better served by a plan from a third-party insurer, which tend to offer more holistic plans.

The good news is that it has never been easier to buy exactly the type of travel insurance you need at a reasonable price. Most people buy comprehensive insurance for a single trip, but annual travel insurance plans that cover multiple trips in a one-year period are becoming more popular.

You can find some of the best travel insurance policies by visiting an insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com . Plug in your trip details and you’ll get instant quotes for multiple insurance plans that you can compare on price, coverage limitations, and other parameters. Be sure to read the policy details, as inclusions can vary from plan to plan but will end up making all the difference to your particular needs.

What’s it going to cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a variety of factors, including the price and length of the trip, your age, destination, and any optional add-ons. For your average domestic or international trip with flights and hotels , expect to pay anywhere from 3 to 7 percent of your trip’s cost, depending on inclusions.

So for a $2,000 trip, you might expect a typical comprehensive plan with trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, along with baggage loss and delay, and emergency medical coverage and evacuation to cost in the $100 ballpark. Some upgrades, like a “cancel for any reason” provision, will cost more.

When should you buy travel insurance?

Don’t procrastinate. “Some benefits and coverages are available only if you’ve purchased your policy within a short window, typically seven to 21 days from when you make the first payment towards your trip,” says Sandberg. Buy early and you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver or a ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.

It’s especially important not to delay buying travel insurance if you’re traveling to, say, the Caribbean during hurricane season. Once a major storm has been named, the window of opportunity slams shut, and you can no longer buy insurance for that hurricane. “If you purchase a policy after a storm is named, trip cancellation and trip interruption are excluded from coverage,” says Sandberg.

What’s not covered?

“Some people believe that a travel insurance plan is designed to give you the flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever,” says Sandberg. “But the standard plan is not going to provide cancellation coverage for a change of heart or a relationship break-up or an outbreak of Zika in your destination.” If you need that flexibility, opt for the ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.

“As far as medical coverage, people often believe a travel insurance plan will cover preventative services such as immunizations and annual check-ups,” says Tysdal. “But travel insurance is intended to cover illnesses and injuries that originate during a trip, and that’s why it’s relatively inexpensive.” Be careful about overindulging, too. “If you injure yourself as a result of being intoxicated beyond a legal limit, your travel insurance policy will not likely cover you,” says Sandberg. Ditto for drug use.

How easy is it to file a claim?

“Documentation is key,” says Meghan Walch, product manager for InsureMyTrip. If luggage is lost or items are stolen, file a report with the airline or police. You may need to provide original receipts for the stolen items in order to receive reimbursement up to the policy limits.“ Also, be aware that baggage coverage only offers coverage up to a set amount,” says Walch. “So, if you are carrying, say, a fancy $3,000 Nikon or Canon camera , you’ll likely need to buy additional insurance elsewhere or cover it under a homeowner's policy.” Note, also, that many plans specifically exclude computers and electronics.

What about car rental insurance?

It’s often possible to add car rental insurance, also known as the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), to a comprehensive travel insurance plan, which can save you from a serious headache should you get into an accident while driving. “But the biggest mistake people make when renting a car is to waste money on duplicate coverage,” says Jonathan Weinberg, CEO of AutoSlash , the car rental deal-finding site. “The reality is that if you own your own vehicle and have car insurance, you are likely already covered when renting in the U.S.”

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And if you don’t own a car? “Your credit card may also cover you when renting,” says Weinberg. “It's always important to check to be sure, but why pay again for coverage you already have?” Indeed, paying for your rental with the right travel rewards credit card might cover your collision insurance, with some policies covering damage up to the value of the car. Travel outside the U.S. and Canada , though, and it’s a different story. “Most personal auto insurance policies will not cover a claim for damage to a rental outside the U.S. or Canada,” says Weinberg. “Likewise, different credit cards have different exclusions when it comes to covering damage to a rental car in a foreign country.”

Types of travel insurance

Most travelers opt for a comprehensive plan, but you should know what each type of coverage does, so you’ll know if a package truly fits your needs. Here’s a brief rundown of the main types of coverage.

Trip protection

Often known simply as “travel insurance,” this type of comprehensive package is the most common purchase.

Commonly covers: Reimbursement for money spent on your trip due to cancellations, interruptions, and delays; medical expenses if you become sick or injured and, if necessary, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation; and coverage for your belongings if lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed.

How to get it: Compare plans at Square Mouth , Seven Corners , InsureMyTrip.com , and TravelInsurance.com

Trip cancellation

This benefit can reimburse 100 percent of your trip cost—flights, hotels, cruises, and pre-paid activities—if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

Commonly covers: Unforeseen illness or injury; the death of you, a family member, or a traveling companion; terrorism; inclement weather; natural disasters.

Fine print: Some policies also include other covered reasons, such as jury duty or an employment layoff.

Trip interruption

You’ll be reimbursed for your costs if your trip is interrupted for a covered reason. The payout may exceed the total trip cost if you need to incur additional expenses to return home, but some policies limit coverage to a return flight home.

How to get it: Signing up for travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve can automatically give you this coverage for all trips booked on the card.

Learn more about signing up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve here .

Cancel for any reason

This upgrade provides reimbursement for 50 to 75 percent of prepaid and non-refundable trip payments if you cancel a trip for any reason not otherwise covered by your policy.

Watch out: You’ll be required to insure your trip’s entire cost, which will typically increase your premium by roughly 40 percent.

Fine print: Typically available for purchase up to seven to 21 days from the date you make your initial trip deposit. You must cancel the entire trip at least two to three days before your departure date.

Travel delay

If your trip is unexpectedly delayed by a designated amount of time (typically three to 12 hours, depending on the policy), this benefit provides a per-diem dollar amount (typically $150 to $200) that can be used for meals, hotels, and other necessary expenses during the delay.

Commonly covers: Inclement weather and mechanical breakdowns of “common carriers,” meaning public transportation such as planes, trains, or buses.

How to get it: Signing up for travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve can automatically give you this coverage for all trips booked on the card that meet the requirements.

Missed connection

You’ll be reimbursed for additional costs for you to catch up to your trip if you miss your departure due to a common carrier delay of a specified amount of time. It's usually an added feature of larger insurance packages.

Commonly covers: Inclement weather and mechanical breakdowns of common carriers.

Watch out: Some policies only reimburse if you need to catch up to a cruise or tour. Since the wording typically specifies public transportation delays, you would be out of luck if you’re driving and miss your connection because you got caught in traffic.

Baggage and personal items loss

You’ll be covered for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Expect limits in both overall coverage and per-item coverage. It's included with many travel rewards credit card benefits.

Watch out: While most policies cover your personal belongings throughout the entire trip, some will only cover luggage while it is checked with an airline or transportation carrier.

Baggage delay

If your luggage is delayed for a specified period of time—typically 12 or 24 hours—this coverage will reimburse you for any clothing, toiletries, and other essential items you need to purchase. Expect a maximum coverage amount per person, as well as a daily limit. It's also included as a cardholder benefit with many travel credit cards.

Emergency medical coverage

This covers the costs to treat a medical emergency, including treatment, hospitalization, and medication. This type of coverage is highly recommended for international trips and cruises.

Watch out: You would pay for medical care out-of-pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement when you return home. In certain situations, an insurer might pre-authorize payment of medical bills, but it is not guaranteed.

How to get it: Browse medical coverage plans at Seven Corners .

Emergency evacuation coverage

This coverage is for transportation to the nearest medical facility in the event of a medical emergency during your trip. It's usually an add-on to larger medical coverage.

Commonly covers: If the treating physician recommends that you should return home for further medical attention, this benefit can also cover those transportation expenses. In the case of a death, repatriation can transport a traveler’s remains back home. It's usually an add-on to a larger travel insurance policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions waiver

Most policies have built-in exclusions for pre-existing conditions. So if you’ve been seriously ill in the past or need ongoing treatment, consider looking for a plan that offers a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.

Fine print: You’ll need to purchase the plan within a few weeks from the date you make your initial trip payment.

Hazardous/adventure sports coverage

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Adventure activities such as heli-skiing, off-trail snowboarding, bungee jumping, wakeboarding, Jet Skiing, spelunking, rock climbing, and scuba diving are almost always excluded from coverage in most travel insurance plans.

Fine print: You can buy coverage as an optional upgrade, which is an especially smart bet if you’re planning an adventure trip outside the United States.

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6 best travel insurance companies of May 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance companies

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

Best for lost baggage and personal belongings 

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

Best for customization

Travel guard® travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for trip cancellation coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for travel medical plans

Usi affinity travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for cruise insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

Travel insurance FAQs

How do i choose the best travel insurance .

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth it? 

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

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select?

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

Our methodology 

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

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

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

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

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

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of May 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:48 a.m. UTC May 1, 2024

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

Best travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

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

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

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

Pros and cons

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

Customer reviews

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

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for missed connections

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

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

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

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

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

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

See our full AIG travel insurance review

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

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

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

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

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

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

What is the best travel insurance?

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for cruises

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

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

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

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

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

Best travel insurance for seniors

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

How much is travel insurance?

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

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

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

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

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When should I buy travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

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

Travel insurance trends in 2024

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

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from March 24 to April 23, 2024.

Methodology

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GeoBlue Trekker Choice

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

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

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

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

The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Annual Travel Insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yearly travel insurance worth it.

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

How much does annual trip insurance cost?

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

When should I take out annual travel insurance?

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

Does annual travel insurance automatically renew?

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

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About Ryan Smith

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

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The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

Trawick International »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor your annual travel insurance plan to your needs

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

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

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

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

Annual Travel Insurance Plan offers year-round travel insurance protection

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

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

No coverage for preexisting medical conditions

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

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

Tailor other included benefit levels to your needs

Coverage only applies to trips up to 40 days

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

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

Get annual coverage for medical expenses and routine medical care

High limits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation

GeoBlue plans don't offer comprehensive travel protection

Deductibles and copays apply

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

Choose among three tiers of annual travel protection

Option for basic protection with affordable premiums

No coverage for preexisting conditions

Maximum trip duration of 30 days per trip

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

The 5 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans

Holly Johnson

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

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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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7 Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Finding the cheapest travel insurance is often a priority for travelers hoping to protect themselves and their finances while away from home.

But is it better to err on the side of affordable travel insurance or opt for a more comprehensive plan? That depends on your needs .

On average, a comprehensive plan that covers some combination of trip cancellation and interruption costs, medical coverage and baggage protection (and perhaps a number of other things) will cost you 5%-10% of what you paid for the trip, according to NerdWallet partner Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace.

That means a comprehensive policy for a trip that costs you $3,000 could run you anywhere between $150 and $300. Factors like the cost and length of your trip, the age of the travelers and how much protection you want can significantly influence what you pay for your plan.

Ultimately, Squaremouth recommends “the least expensive policy that offers the coverage [travelers] need.”

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Factors we considered when picking cheap travel insurance plans

We considered a few factors as we looked for the most affordable travel insurance plans.

Price: If your goal is to find cheaper travel insurance, you want the price to be affordable.

Breadth of coverage: The best budget travel insurance is typically going to be a plan that offers a wide range of protections at an affordable cost, ensuring you’re protected with at least some coverage for a wide range of scenarios.

Uniqueness or customizability : While many travel insurance plans have similar protections, some stand out for particular coverage that can be helpful to certain travelers, like those needing to Cancel For Any Reason , those going on a cruise, or travelers with preexisting health conditions. We didn’t spring for the priciest plans with broad, deep coverage; instead, we picked those that meet a sort of budget "sweet spot" when it comes to cost efficiency.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth getting?

An overview of the best cheap travel insurance plans

We looked at travel insurance quotes for a hypothetical 10-day trip to Italy in October 2023. The traveler is a 40-year-old man living in North Carolina who spent $2,000 on the trip, including airfare.

Reliable but cheap travel insurance providers

1. axa assistance usa (silver plan: $70).

Why we picked it:

The $500 missed connection benefit is great for cruise and tour participants. It covers additional transportation, accommodations and meal costs when you miss a cruise or tour departure.

Full trip cancellation and interruption coverage, along with up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket medical costs and baggage coverage.

Among the lowest prices we found.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more than AXA's $70 Silver plan, a Gold plan only costs $19 more and gets you deeper coverage amounts and up to $35,000 in collision rental car insurance.

2. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (ExactCare Value plan: $56)

Cheapest plan we found while still offering a wide array of protections.

Includes a preexisting medical condition waiver.

Add-on rental car collision coverage optional for $10 per day. You can pick how many days you want the additional coverage — it’s not all or nothing.

At $56, this plan comes in at less than 3% of the $2,000 trip cost.

3. IMG (iTravelInsured Lite plan: $77)

Treats COVID-19 like any other illness, which is to say, if your claim accepts flu, strep throat or appendicitis as an acceptable, covered condition, the coronavirus is, too.

Covers costs related to trip interruption up to 125% 

Higher than normal limits on dental expenses, at $1,000. If your teeth are your Achilles heel (or your biggest fear), this plan might be for you.

The iTravelInsured Lite plan doesn’t offer some of the bells and whistles that other plans do, like rental car coverage , Cancel For Any Reason coverage or waivers for pre-existing conditions. But you’ll have relatively solid across-the-board trip protections.

4. John Hancock (Silver plan: $93 for a mid-tier plan)

Mid-level plan (as opposed to a basic plan) at an affordable price for travelers who want more coverage without paying too much.

Includes an optional Cancel For Any Reason add-on for travelers wanting flexibility. It is a bit pricey, at half the cost of the insurance ($46.50 extra for a $93 plan).

Reimburses up to $1,000 for lost baggage , far more than many basic plans.

Add-on rental car coverage for $9 per day.

At $88, John Hancock’s basic (Bronze) plan isn’t particularly affordable. But for just $4 extra, you can tap into the benefits of a mid-tier plan at still less than 5% of the total trip cost.

5. Nationwide (Essential plan: $76)

Includes a preexisting conditions waiver.

Add-on rental car coverage for $90. 

Covers trip interruption at 125% of the trip cost while providing comprehensive emergency medical and baggage coverage.

6. Seven Corners (Basic plan: $75)

On top of standard trip protections, it includes a relatively affordable Cancel For Any Reason option for $31.50 extra.

If you plan to rent expensive sporting equipment, you might consider paying $10 extra to cover lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed gear.

COVID-19 coverage reimburses you for costs incurred if you have to quarantine .

Rental car coverage comes in at an affordable $7 per day.

Seven Corners’ Basic plan stands out because it offers a little bit of everything, appealing to athletic travelers, those who need affordable trip protections, those who want the flexibility to cancel for any reason and those still concerned about getting quarantined due to COVID-19.

7. Travelex Insurance Services (Basic plan: $71)

Straightforward: What you see is what you get. This plan’s coverage has fewer rules and caveats than many. 

While not sporting the highest coverage amounts, it offers a solid range of protections to ensure you get at least something back when your travel is disrupted or you have a medical emergency.

Offers add-on rental car coverage for $10 per day.

At $71, the Travelex Basic plan’s cost is just over 3% of the $2,000 trip’s cost.

If you want to get travel insurance at the cheapest possible rate, here’s a trick. Put $0 as your trip cost, Stan Stanberg, co-founder of comparison site Travelinsurance.com said in an email.

“When excluding trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage the cost of a travel insurance plan goes down significantly,” Stanberg said.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical, trip delay , missed connection, baggage and other protections.

You’ll often find comprehensive travel insurance plans cost 5%-10% of your total trip cost, according to Squaremouth. This will often get you full trip cancellation and trip protection, baggage protection, emergency medical coverage and often other benefits.

Typically, the more you pay, the broader and deeper the coverage.

For many plans, you can purchase travel insurance up until you depart. However, to get access to the most protections possible, booking two days to two weeks after making your initial deposit is the best rule of thumb.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical,

, missed connection, baggage and other protections.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

• Travel Insurance

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To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

Featured Partners

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

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• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
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• Travel Insurance For The USA
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• Travel Insurance For Vietnam
• Travel Insurance For South Africa
• Cover-More Travel Insurance Review
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance Review
• Travel Insurance Saver Review
• Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
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Prashant Mehra is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. He has more than 20 years of international experience covering financial news, including with Reuters and the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He writes about business, markets, the economy and investing.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

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Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Safer travel starts with travel protection

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At Allianz, we continue to show our commitment to sports through our sponsorship with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. Read More >>

Entry Requirements & COVID-19 Travel Resources 

Confused about entry requirements for your destination? Our  interactive map shows current travel rules and restrictions for each destination, including info on COVID-19 testing, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods.

Find out how our  Epidemic Coverage Endorsement can protect your next trip from certain losses related to COVID-19.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Because sometimes..., you have to cancel a trip last-minute..

Travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs — including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights — if you have to cancel for a covered reason.

Travel delays leave you stranded.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay.

You get sick or hurt when you're far from home.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. We can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed.

Fender-benders are unavoidable.

Renting a car means taking on a big financial risk; even a tiny scrape can cost you hundreds. Low-priced rental car insurance lets you drive worry-free.

You need help in a hurry.

Whether you're planning a week-long road trip or a weekend getaway, you never know what might happen. Travel insurance gives you access to our 24-Hour Assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis.

Why go with Allianz Travel Insurance?

As a world leader in travel protection, we help more than 70 million people answer the call of adventure with confidence every year.

We're Protecting You

From protection for trip cancellation to medical bills abroad, our benefits are designed to help you explore reassured.

We're There For You

We've got your back with award-winning 24/7 assistance and a worldwide network of prescreened hospitals to help you get the right care.

We're Built For You

From our Allyz ® TravelSmart app to proactive SmartBenefits, we innovate for the way you travel today - and tomorrow.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

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How the Cancel Anytime Upgrade Works

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The Comprehensive Guide to Annual Travel Insurance

5 Ways the Allyz ®  TravelSmart App Can Help During Winter Travels

Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits

Destination Guide: Croatia

Travel Insurance & COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

More Travel Resources »

LATEST COVERAGE ALERTS

The events listed below are considered "known and foreseeable" for travel insurance purposes on the date listed next to the event. Please consult your policy for more information.

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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