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Can I Get Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

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Table of Contents

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

How to qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, where to find coverage for pre-existing conditions, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, recapped.

Although trip delay and baggage loss insurance are good to have, purchasing a medical insurance policy before hitting the road can be the difference between an expensive vacation and a really expensive vacation. Those with pre-existing conditions may be wondering if they can still get travel insurance. Luckily, the answer is yes.

Here’s where to look for and how to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury or medical concern that has included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 60 to 180 days of purchasing a travel insurance policy. The condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed formally to be considered a pre-existing condition.

For example, say you go on a bike tour of Amsterdam and suffer a mild heart attack. If a doctor had diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) a few weeks before your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

So, what does a pre-existing medical condition mean for travel insurance? The good news is that having a pre-existing condition doesn’t preclude you from traveling or being eligible for medical coverage. Many comprehensive plans cover pre-existing conditions and can help you recoup your money if you require medical treatment during your trip or have to cancel a trip altogether because of a medical issue.

To avoid being on the hook for medical bills abroad or losing a deposit before you even pack your bags, look for a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. Read the fine print on the insurance provider’s website; there shouldn’t be an age limit on most plans, and the premium shouldn’t cost more than it would for people without pre-existing medical conditions.

As long as you’re medically fit to travel, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet the following criteria and apply within the eligible timeframe:

A pre-existing condition must be stable.

You must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (time frame varies by company).

Amount of coverage must be equal to all pre-paid, non-refundable costs.

For example, if you put down a 50% deposit on a safari in South Africa, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. If you wait too long to purchase coverage, you'll have missed the coverage purchasing window and the waiver won’t be applicable to your trip.

We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first deposit on a trip.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, then a travel insurance company has a right to look back at the traveler’s medical records for the last 60 to 180 days (varies by plan), which is called a look-back period. This is done to determine whether you’re filing a claim for an incident related to a pre-existing condition, which then determines whether it’s going to be covered or not.

The pre-existing medical conditions waiver may also provide coverage in the case of a non-traveling family member having a medical problem mid-trip. This varies by plan.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

With so many providers to choose from, it’s hard to make the right choice. So, which travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is best?

You can turn to travel insurance companies such as Allianz , Travel Guard by AIG or RoamRight to locate the right plan for your trip.

Instead of getting quotes from every travel insurance company under the sun, we recommend InsureMyTrip, which is a free comparison site that allows you to get quotes from multiple providers at once.

To start a quote, you must:

Select your travel destination.

Provide travel dates.

Disclose your citizenship and the state where you live.

Select the number of travelers and their ages.

The website will ask you additional questions, such as:

Whether you’re taking a flight, going on a cruise or renting a vacation home.

The total cost of nonrefundable expenses, such as flight costs, hotel bookings and tours.

The date you made the first payment toward the trip and viewed your coverage options.

You can sort and filter your results in multiple ways. Compare the plans offered and make a selection based on price, insurance provider reviews or the included coverage.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to find annual travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions can only be purchased for every trip separately.

Yes, it is possible to find travel insurance coverage suitable for trip takers with qualifying pre-existing conditions.

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include Travel Guard by AIG and Allianz .

Unless you purchase a plan with explicit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you can generally expect that costs related to these conditions pre- or mid-trip are excluded from a travel insurance policy. For plans with the option to cover pre-existing medical conditions, qualified travelers can select a Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

Example eligible conditions include illnesses, injuries or medical concerns that have included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 2-6 months of purchasing a travel insurance policy (depending on the provider).

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include

Travel Guard by AIG

Optional travel insurance certainly can protect you from the unexpected. To obtain coverage for a pre-existing condition, make sure to follow all the rules of the policy you’re about to purchase. Buy a policy within the specified time frame and declare all nonrefundable expenses accurately.

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Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? (2024)

If you have certain types of pre-existing medical conditions and need travel insurance, you may still be able to get coverage. but first, you’ll have to qualify for a waiver..

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Updated September 20, 2023

Table of contents

• What’s covered
• Eligibility for waiver
• Insurance companies
• How to buy insurance

If you’re planning to take a trip, you need to plan for every eventuality, especially because your health insurance likely won’t cover illness, injury, or emergency medical transport when you’re abroad. [1]

Fortunately, purchasing travel medical and medical evacuation insurance policies can help you (and your traveling companions) get the care you need if you get sick or hurt or experience other types of medical emergencies while traveling.

However, it’s important to note that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you could be denied coverage unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with pre-existing health conditions get travel medical insurance if they plan to travel abroad, live overseas for more than six months, or participate in dangerous activities, like scuba diving. [2]

However, getting travel medical insurance with a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky. Insurance companies may be more reluctant to offer you coverage since your risk of getting sick or having a flare-up overseas may be higher.

If you have a pre-existing condition and need travel insurance, it’s important to understand what types of coverage may be available and what special terms, if any, may apply. While some plans make exceptions for certain types of pre-existing conditions, you may have to first qualify for a special waiver.

Pre-existing conditions explained

When it comes to travel medical insurance, a pre-existing condition may be defined as an existing health issue or diagnosis, which can include a recent injury or illness or a long-term disease for which you’re receiving medical treatment. [3] It may also be defined as a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure, dementia, or even pregnancy.

In the U.S., under the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing conditions can’t be excluded from most types of standard health coverage. However, these same rules don’t apply to travel insurance. [4]

Factors that determine your eligibility for a pre-existing condition waiver

If you have a pre-existing condition, you can benefit from travel medical insurance in the event of an emergency, but you must obtain a pre-existing conditions medical waiver in advance. Without a waiver in place, any claim you file for medical coverage could be denied. This would put you on the hook for costly medical care, treatments, and expenses.

To get a waiver for a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

Being medically cleared to travel

Most travel insurers that offer exclusion waivers require you to be physically able to travel, with no changes to your medical condition for a set amount of time (usually 60 to 180 days). Some travel insurance policies may require medical records, copies of your medical history, or a sign-off by a physician.

Buying your policy within a specific time frame

You must purchase a pre-existing condition waiver within a certain window (typically 14 to 21 days after you’ve made an initial trip deposit or first payment on your trip). Most waivers are good only for the first — and only for one — booking, meaning you can’t reschedule the trip.

Insuring the full cost of your trip

You’ll also likely need to purchase an amount of coverage that’s equivalent to 100% of the non-refundable cost of your trip, including airfare, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

Covered pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance doesn’t typically cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions without a waiver. But if you qualify for a waiver, any illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip will likely be covered. However, since policies can vary on a case-by-case basis and between travel insurance companies, it’s a good idea to check the fine print of your plan before your trip.

Pre-existing conditions that aren’t typically covered

While many types of pre-existing conditions are eligible for a waiver, most travel insurance companies won’t cover certain medical conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Anxiety and depression

Normal pregnancy and childbirth

Conditions related to alcohol and drug abuse

In addition, other circumstances may not be covered, even if they’re medical in nature. For example, a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver may not cover a situation such as an accident or illness caused by risky activities, like extreme sports. You also may not be able to get a pre-existing exclusion waiver for trips that are deemed expensive.

Waivers are also only typically available as single-trip policies — meaning you can’t purchase annual travel insurance coverage or multi-trip plans. Your coverage may also have limits. When in doubt, be sure to check with your travel insurance company and review your trip insurance policy’s fine print.

Travel insurance companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and need travel insurance, you may be able to qualify for a pre-existing waiver. When comparing options, check the fine print about each travel insurance plan’s waiver requirements, as they can vary widely between companies.

While not all travel insurance companies offer pre-existing medical condition waivers, here are a few to consider:

Seven Corners

Travel Guard by AIG

How to buy travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

If you have a pre-existing condition, here’s how to buy travel insurance:

Gather your options. Shopping around is important. You can check insurance companies’ websites directly or consider using an insurance comparison site to make searching easier.

Review your policy options. Compare each policy’s requirements for waiver eligibility information to find the best travel insurance plan for your needs.

Compare costs from top insurers. Costs can vary between travel insurance plans, so carefully consider the best plan for your budget.

Buy your coverage. Once you find a travel insurance policy that’s a good fit for your pre-existing condition, budget, and travel plans, you’ll need to buy your policy. Most waivers require plans to be purchased within a specific time frame to ensure coverage, so be sure to read the fine print.

Travel insurance pre-existing conditions FAQS

If you have a pre-existing condition, getting travel insurance is still possible. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that can help guide you in your search for the best travel policy when you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes. You can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. But you may be required to get a special waiver, and some exclusions and special conditions may apply. That’s why it’s important to check the fine print before purchasing a travel policy to ensure coverage.

What is a pre-existing look-back period for travel insurance?

Pre-existing look-back periods are the length of time a travel insurance company may require you to have your pre-existing condition treated or controlled before your travel medical insurance plan’s effective date. Look-back periods are typically about 60 to 180 days, depending on the travel insurance plan.

Does it cost more to purchase travel insurance with pre-existing coverage?

No. Generally, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing coverage has no extra cost. But to get a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you may have to purchase insurance that covers 100% of your trip.

How do travel insurance companies determine what qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance companies may have different criteria for determining what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, and it’s generally tied to how long you’ve been sick or injured with a condition. But some conditions are generally never exempt, even with a waiver, such as depression or complication-free pregnancies.

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Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out smarter ways to use their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. She’s created and edited content for Credit Karma, Experian and Sound Dollar, along with banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies.

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Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

How to secure cover for your next trip if you're dealing with existing medical conditions..

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Need to know

• You must declare a pre-existing medical condition if you want it covered by insurance
• Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely
• You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition

Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you may need medical attention on your trip – that's why insurers charge you extra. 

So if you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, it'll take a bit of worry out of your trip. But even if you're willing to pay extra, getting cover for an existing condition isn't always easy.

On this page:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What's covered, and what's not, comprehensive policies that may cover your pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and travel insurance, credit card travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions,  what to do if you can't get cover for a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is a medical condition that you had before you bought your travel insurance.

Different travel insurers will have their own specific definitions, but it's usually a diagnosed medical condition that you've had or received any form of medical advice, treatment or medication for, in a specified time period before you bought your policy.

Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer

The 'specified time period' wording is worth paying attention to. If, for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period specified by the insurer is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

The insurance contract regulations set the time period as six months by default. Unfortunately, insurers can get around this six-month rule and exempt themselves simply by burying an exclusion or limitation in the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Insurers' definitions vary as to what the specified time period is. Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer.

There are often a lot of hoops to jump through to get cover for pre-existing conditions. 

Insurers can:

• exclude pre-existing medical conditions altogether
• include a list of accepted pre-existing medical conditions (specified in the PDS)
• restrict cover for generally accepted conditions depending on other conditions you might have, or only cover some symptoms (for example, allergies may be covered, but not anaphylaxis)
• subject you to an assessment for cover of your medical condition and charge a fee to complete this assessment (whether you get cover or not)
• deny you cover for a medical condition on application.

Even if you survive that minefield, you may then have to fork out several thousand dollars for the privilege of getting cover for your condition.

Below is a list of conditions that might usually be covered, with specific restrictions. 

• Allergies 
• Blindness and low vision
• Corneal graft
• Coeliac disease
• Ear grommets
• Gastric reflux
• Hiatus hernia
• High cholesterol/hypercholesterolaemia
• High blood pressure/hypertension
• Hip replacement
• Knee replacement
• Macular degeneration
• Underactive thyroid/overactive thyroid
• Chronic lung conditions
• Cardiovascular disease
• Reduced immunity
• Cancer (some policies automatically cover skin cancer but not melanoma)
• Heart-related medical conditions
• Medical conditions you're travelling to seek medical treatment or review for
• Conditions involving drug or alcohol dependency
• Conditions for which you're awaiting surgery, treatment, investigation or procedures
• Conditions with a terminal prognosis

This also includes any travel booked or undertaken against the advice of a medical practitioner.

Check the insurer's PDS for a specific list of conditions. If a condition is not listed as automatically covered, then you may be able to apply to the insurer to cover your condition.

For the specified time period, the lower the number, the better. Read on below the table for more information.

* The time period before booking your trip that a medical condition, that isn't specifically excluded, would be covered if it has not given rise to symptoms or required medication or treatment. 

If your medical condition is on the insurer's 'Covered Conditions' list, then the time period might be longer than what's specified above. 

For example, Go Insurance's specified time period is 90 days (3 months), but if your condition is on their 'Covered Conditions' list, and you've been hospitalised for that condition within 24 months of booking the trip, then it may not be automatically covered. You'll need to fill out a form to apply for cover.

CHOICE tip: Filling out assessment forms for your medical condition can be time-consuming and frustrating, but try at least three different insurers because premiums and cover vary widely.

How you're assessed for a pre-existing medical condition

Many Australian insurers use a 'black box' risk rating system to assess your condition, such as that provided by insurance technology firm Verisk.

The systems may contain a list of health conditions, each of which is assigned a risk factor. Depending on how high this risk factor is, the insurer can choose to rule out cover, or offer cover for an extra premium.

Older and wiser travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll pay more for it. 

Many travel insurance policies have age limits, over which they either don't offer cover, or they may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess. 

Cost of travel insurance for seniors

Our analysis of premiums across age groups shows that an older single traveller going to Bali for around 11 days to two weeks will on average pay more for their cover as they age, with premiums generally increasing more noticeably from age 50. 

Travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s

In particular, travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s, prior to further underwriting and premium adjustments by insurers for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit our travel insurance comparison and use the filter to find travel insurance policy options for people across a range of ages up to 100 or even unlimited.

Pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor's advice, or if you're on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren't already being treated for or had no history of).

Note that travel insurance won't usually cover you for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). Not all policies will cover IVF or similar medically assisted pregnancies.

CHOICE tip: Check with your airline before you travel – many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.

Some credit cards come with travel insurance policies that may cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

However, policies that come with credit cards vary just as much as standalone travel insurance policies, so you need to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand whether you're automatically covered, whether you need to apply for cover, or if there's no cover at all for pre-existing medical conditions.

Bear in mind that some credit card travel insurance policies require you to activate your insurance before you leave. Some people may find this a bit of a pain, but with pre-existing medical conditions it may actually be an advantage, since it will prompt you to check your cover.

If you're denied cover for your pre-existing medical condition, or if you can't afford the extra premium, you may still be able to buy a travel insurance policy. 

You'll need to declare your condition to your insurer. They may then offer you travel insurance cover, but will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.

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Getting Medical Insurance For Your Next Trip Abroad

Last Updated: May 8, 2024

Suffering a medical emergency in a foreign country is a common fear among travelers. In a recent Squaremouth survey of over 5,000 vacationers, more than 52% of respondents revealed their biggest travel concern was getting sick or injured during their upcoming trip.

Travelers have every right to be fearful. Since most U.S. health insurance plans offer limited to no coverage abroad, receiving medical care overseas can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’re traveling internationally and want medical coverage, we highly recommend that you consider Travel Medical Insurance .

What is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel Medical Insurance is a type of travel insurance that’s specifically designed to cover unforeseen medical emergencies that may arise during a trip. If you experience an unexpected injury or illness, for example, your insurance provider will reimburse your related medical expenses up to the plan’s coverage limit.

Most international travel medical insurance policies will typically cover expenses like ambulance rides, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, x-rays, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuations, and other unexpected medical expenses.

Why is it Important?

If you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s likely your primary health care plan, such as Medicare or an employer sponsored policy, won’t cover overseas medical care. Without proper coverage, you’re responsible for paying all medical costs out-of-pocket.

Travel Medical Insurance acts as an international health insurance plan, offering reimbursement for unexpected medical bills during your trip abroad. While it’s likely that you may not ever need to use your plan, it may be worth the investment for the peace of mind alone.

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?

There’s a common misconception that travel insurance is expensive. While this can be true for some policies, it’s very possible to find affordable health coverage for your next vacation that doesn’t break the bank.

According to Squaremouth data, the average cost of Travel Medical Insurance is roughly $97. Many of these plans also include protection against other travel disruptions, including delays, missed connections, baggage loss, and more.

Keep in mind that pricing can vary from one travel insurance provider to the next, so it’s important to shop around. Typically, providers price policies based on several risk factors including, but not limited to:

• The age of the travelers covered by the policy
• Your trip length
• Your destination
• Your trip costs
• The type of coverage you choose ( single-trip vs. Annual)
• The coverage limits found within the policy
• Any add-ons you choose to include

Medical Benefits Offered by Travel Insurance

When comparing travel insurance policies, the most important thing to look at is the coverage they each provide. Luckily, the majority of plans offer medical benefits that provide coverage overseas.

If your main concern is getting sick or injured during your trip, we recommend paying close attention to the following benefits:

Emergency Medical

Emergency Medical is one of the most important benefits among travel insurance customers. It covers the cost of unexpected medical bills you may encounter at any point during your trip. Due to the potentially high costs involved with seeking medical care abroad, we suggest you consider policies with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.

Be mindful that some travel insurance providers may have you pay a medical deductible before coverage kicks in. While rare, Medical Deductibles can range from $50 to $2,500.

Medical Evacuation

If you get seriously sick or hurt while overseas, there’s a chance that the nearest medical facility won’t be the best one equipped to treat you. If a treating physician deems it necessary, the Medical Evacuation benefit will cover emergency transportation to another, more adequate medical facility or back to your home country.

The cost of a medical evacuation can quickly escalate in the tens, sometimes hundreds, of thousands of dollars. For that reason, we recommend policies that offer at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Pre-Existing Condition

Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can be a tough task, especially if flare ups are likely to occur. While most travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, some providers offer what’s called a “Pre-Existing Condition Waiver.”

This waiver essentially extends your travel medical insurance to include coverage for conditions and illnesses that were present when you purchased your plan. Pre-Existing Condition coverage is a time-sensitive benefit, meaning to qualify you must buy your policy 10-14 days after making an initial trip payment.

Cancel for Medical Reasons

A medical emergency can occur at any time, even before you depart for your trip. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include Trip Cancellation coverage that allows you to cancel your trip due to medical reasons and be reimbursed up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

Under most plans, covered medical reasons to cancel a trip include unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or death in the family. When filing a claim, you may be required to provide documentation to support your reason for cancellation.

24-Hour Emergency Assistance

The best travel insurance companies offer 24-Hour Emergency Assistance to their policyholders. Through this service, you can get support for a wide-range of challenges you may encounter while traveling, especially when it concerns health care. Examples include:

• Overseas medical referrals
• Arrangement of medical evacuations or repatriations
• Medical claims support

How to Find the Best Medical Coverage For Your Next Trip:

There are more travel insurance policies available today than ever before. Knowing what you’re looking for and where to find it can make your search for international health insurance much more straightforward.

Below are a handful of our top tips that may be helpful to you as you evaluate your insurance options.

Determine How Much Medical Coverage You Need

As a baseline, you should be looking at policies with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $100,000 in Emergency Evacuation coverage for trips abroad. However, you may want even more health insurance coverage depending on your destination, your itinerary, and other trip details.

For example, travelers heading on a weeklong beach trip to Mexico may not need as much medical coverage as someone going backpacking in the Himalayan Mountains for a month.

It’s also important to take inventory of existing travel health insurance you may already have. Take some time to read through your primary health insurance policy to see if it offers coverage overseas. While rare, some travel credit cards may also include medical benefits.

Compare Plans From Multiple Insurance Providers

The only way to guarantee you’re getting the best plan is to get a quote from multiple travel insurance providers. You’ll be shocked at how much pricing can vary from one company to the next for similar coverage. In general, getting quotes from 3-5 providers is a good start.

You can do this manually or save time by using a travel insurance comparison website like Squaremouth. Whichever way you choose, be sure to pay close attention to each policy’s premium and medical coverage limits to determine which best fits your budget and travel needs.

Review Policy Exclusions & Limitations

Not all medical emergencies will be covered by insurance. Each travel medical insurance plan will have its own set of exclusions, which can be found in the Policy Details, that outlines what activities or scenarios would not be eligible for reimbursement.

While these exclusions will vary, most travel insurance providers won’t cover medical expenses that stem from:

• Participation in an inherently dangerous sport or activity
• Self-inflicted harm
• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless stated otherwise)
• Intoxication from alcohol or illegal substances
• Routine physicals or checkups
• Normal pregnancy or childbirth

Frequent Traveler? Consider an Annual Travel Insurance Plan

If you’re a frequent business or leisure traveler, it may be wise to consider an Annual travel insurance plan . Also known as “Multi-Trip Insurance,” this type of coverage offers trip protection for a 12-month span, no matter how many trips you decide to take during that period.

Annual plans can be cost-effective if you travel at least 2-3 times per year, and may be more convenient than purchasing a single-trip plan each time you travel.

The Bottom Line

A medical emergency can happen at any time. For peace of mind and financial protection abroad, it may be worth investing in a travel medical insurance policy.

Travel medical insurance covers unforeseen illnesses and injuries that may occur during your trip. Some plans also extend coverage to pre-existing medical conditions. If you’re nervous about having to cancel your trip due to medical reasons, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes Trip Cancellation coverage.

Get a quote today to begin your search for travel medical insurance.

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USI Affinity Travel Insurance Review 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.

If you're taking a trip through a travel agency, university, or other company, USI Affinity travel insurance is a travel insurance company worth considering.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong coverage for medical expenses while traveling
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Vendor offers "cancel for any reason" upgrade
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Specialty coverage (for things like hurricanes and other weather events) available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricing high compared to competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer during certain seasons
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage delay benefits take 12 hours to kick in after claim is submitted

USI Affinity travel insurance' is a leading name in risk management and insurance, usually offering their services to other businesses, like law firms and hospitals. Though not necessarily its specialty, USI Affinity travel insurance also offers comprehensive travel insurance for a wide range of needs, including several medical-only travel insurance plans, annual travel insurance, and road trip policies.

Additionally, USI Affinity travel insurance's travel cancellation plans are some of the most flexible we've encountered. Its policies cover trips up to a year long and have functionally no age limit (the age limit is set at 119-years-old).

While USI Affinity travel insurance has one of the highest age caps we've seen for travel insurance, it's not only expensive relative to the best travel insurance companies for seniors , but generally expensive for all age groups. Additionally, USI Affinity travel insurance lacks adventure sports medical coverage, making this policy less attractive for younger travelers.

Plans Available from USI Affinity

USI Affinity travel insurance has three plans: Basic, Plus, and Elite. Basic offers lighter protection, with trip cancellation for trips that cost under $15,000 per person.

USI Affinity travel insurance also offers a multi-trip option called Voyager Annual Travel Insurance that provides primary t ravel medical insurance coverage for people taking multiple trips less than 30 days long throughout the year. This plan offers two tiers of coverage: Silver and Gold. Gold has higher coverage limits and some additional coverage, such as political and natural disaster evacuation that Silver lacks. 

You can find the full plan breakdown here.

USI Affinity Additional Coverage Plans

Aside from the trip cancellation and annual travel insurance plans, USI Affinity offers several medical-only travel insurance plans that can last for up to 12 months. It also offers a road trip plan, that offers car-specific protections and other coverage you may need on a road trip.

WorldMed: Medical expense and evacuation insurance for people traveling outside their home country for five to 365 days.

InterMedical: Medical expense and evacuation insurance for people traveling outside the U.S. or their home country for five to 365 days.

VisitUSA-HealthCare: Travel medical insurance for visitors to the U.S. who need health insurance. 

StudyUSA-HealthCare: Travel medical insurance for international students who are studying in the U.S.

Road Trip Insure: Road trip-specific protections like vehicle breakdown and disablement, vehicle return, and rental car damage.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for USI Affinity travel insurance plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimateUSI Affinity travel insurance coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• Travel Insurance Select Basic: $126.60
• Travel Insurance Select Plus: $158.70
• Travel Insurance Select Elite: $229.50

Premiums for USI Affinity travel insurance plans are between 3.1% and 5.2% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

USI Affinity travel insurance provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Travel Insurance Select Basic: $168.80
• Travel Insurance Select Plus: $211.60
• Travel Insurance Select Elite: $306.00

Once again, premiums for USI Affinity travel insurance plans are between 4.2% and 7.65% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• Travel Insurance Select Basic: $847
• Travel Insurance Select Plus: $1,204
• Travel Insurance Select Elite: $1,570

Quotes for this trip cost between 4.2% and 7.85%, within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• Travel Insurance Select Basic: $520.20
• Travel Insurance Select Plus: $571.20
• Travel Insurance Select Elite: $828.60

Premiums for USI Affinity travel insurance plans for older-age travelers are between 8.7% and 13.8%, which is well within the average cost for travel insurance. While it's certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies often quote for older travelers. 

How to Purchase and Manage a USI Affinity Policy

To purchase a policy from USI Affinity travel insurance, you'll need to obtain a quote from its website. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following details about your trip:

• State of residence
• Destination country
• Departure/Return dates
• Initial deposit date and final payment date
• Traveler(s) date of birth
• Trip cost (per person)
• Organization you're traveling with (if applicable)

Once you add this information, you'll be taken to the quotes page, where you will be able to add optional CFAR coverage to Plus and Elite policies. While you'll only be able to purchase insurance for trips under 90 days online, you can call customer service at 1-800-937-1387 if you want coverage for longer trips, up to one year. 

How to File a Claim with USI Affinity Travel Insurance

USI Affinity travel insurance makes it easy to file a claim through its website . On the website, it states, "To file a claim on your travel insurance plan, please download and print the appropriate claim form below, and submit it to the address indicated on the form" along with the following forms:

• Accidental dismemberment claim form
• Baggage claim form
• Medical claim form
• Rental collision claim form
• Trip cancellation | trip interruption | travel delay | missed connection claim form

You can also call USI Affinity travel insurance at 1-855-874-0255 or email [email protected] .

You'll want to file claims as soon as possible, specifically if you're filing for a trip cancellation or interruption, to avoid non-covered charges due to late reporting.

USI Affinity Customer Service and Claims Experience

The majority of USI Affinity travel insurancereviews live on its SquareMouth page, receiving an average of 4.01 stars out of five. While recent customer reviews were very complimentary of both the buying and claims process at USI Affinity travel insurance, older reviews mention unprofessional and uncommunicative claims agents as well as long wait times.

The biggest concern isn't within the content of USI Affinity's reviews, but the fact that USI Affinity very rarely responds to customer reviews, while many of the best travel insurance companies will regularly respond to customers.

Learn more about how USI Affinity Travel Insurance compares to the competition. 

USI Affinity Travel Insurance vs Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance is a popular competitor to USI Affinity travel insurance as it serves 55 million travelers everywhere. Unlike USI Affinity travel insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance offers multiple plans to customize your trip's insurance plan. Allianz Travel Insurance has over 10 plans to choose from with different features. So you can choose what's best for you and your family. These plans include single trip, annual trip, and rental car insurance.

Another thing exclusive to Allianz Travel Insurance is its OneTrip Prime plan. It offers free coverage for travelers under 17 when traveling with a parent or grandparent. USI Affinity travel insurance makes no such claims.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance vs Trawick Travel Insurance

Another large competitor is Trawick International Travel Insurance . The company offers baggage protection for up to $2,000 compared to USI Affinity travel insurance's $300 or $500 coverage options.

According to the company website, Trawick International Travel Insurance also offers cruise insurance plans and adventure travel insurance covering over 500 different activities. It highlights benefits such as unlimited trip cancellation coverage.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

USI Affinity vs Credit Card Travel Insurance

Credit cards can be a great alternative to USI Affinity travel insurance. Make sure your credit card offers travel insurance before your trip. Also, keep in mind, credit card travel protections may not be as comprehensive as an insurance policy.

For example, you might be able to get reimbursed for a flight on a credit card, but only if you paid for the flight with the credit card. If you paid for the flight in cash or with a debit card, your credit card isn't going to reimburse you. USI Affinity will. You just need to submit a form.

Having additional travel insurance is never a bad option. Some travelers have cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers baggage delay protection. USI could add medical coverage, AD&D, hotel and flight coverage after a covered event, and more. No matter what card you have, check to see what travel benefits your card offers. You can stack travel benefits to ensure you're covered for your trip as long as you use your credit card to purchase all your expenses.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

USI Travel Insurance FAQs

USI Affinity travel insurance generally provides comprehensive coverage for international travel, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss. 

No, adventure act ivies are not covered with USI Affinity's trip cancellation plans.

USI Affinity travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers for its Plus and Elite trip cancellation plans as long as you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. 

Customer service reviews show that claims often get handled within a month, but there's little that customers can do to speed up the process once all documents are filed.

USI Affinity travel insurance is often recognized for its wide range of plan options and comprehensive coverage, catering to diverse travel needs.

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

In creating this review of USI Affinity travel insurance, we compared it to competitive travel insurance products , considering coverage, price points, exclusions, and more. Then we considered what credit card benefits could complement USI Affinity travel insurance travel insurance's travel insurance plan. 

Every travel insurance product has its pros and cons. Our aim is to shine a light to help consumers make informed decisions based on all the facts. We know how important insurance is when traveling with peace of mind.

You can read more about our travel insurance ratings methods here .

• Main content

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

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

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Can travel insurance cover losses related to pre-existing medical conditions? Yes, as long as you meet certain requirements. Learn more and protect your next trip by  getting a quote .

Transcript:

Can travel insurance cover losses related to pre-existing medical conditions? Yes!

Generally speaking, a pre-existing condition is any illness or injury present within the 120 days prior to buying your plan (including your plan purchase date.)

To be eligible for pre-existing condition coverage, you must:

• Be a U.S. resident
• Insure the full nonrefundable cost of your trip within fourteen days of paying your first trip deposit
• And be medically able to travel when you purchase your policy

Learn more at AllianzTravelInsurance.com

Get a Quote

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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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The Best Long-Term Travel Insurance of 2024

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• Based on research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team, the best long-term travel insurance providers are Travelex, Allianz, Faye, IMG and World Nomads.
• According to our research, travel insurance companies define long-term trips as those lasting longer than 30 days, with many long-term policies providing coverage anywhere from 90 days to one year.
• Long-term policies can provide similar coverage to a traditional travel insurance plan, such as trip interruption, baggage and medical protection.

Our Rankings of the Best Long-Term Travel Insurance Providers

Our research team found the providers and plans below are the best long-term travel insurance options on the market. We considered coverage, cost, add-on protection and policy length when making our decisions. 

• Travelex: Travel Select
• Allianz : OneTrip Premier
• Faye : Travel Protection Plan
• International Medical Group (IMG) : GlobeHopper Senior
• World Nomads : Explorer Plan

How We Chose Long-term Travel Insurance Plans

When selecting the long-term travel insurance plans featured in this review, we considered various factors, including:

• Coverage : We examined the types of plans available for purchase and the coverage limits each travel insurance provider offered.
• Cost : While long-term travel insurance plans may cost more than a plan for a week-long trip, that doesn’t mean purchasing coverage needs to break the bank.
• Add-on protections : We took note of providers and policies that offered a variety of coverage add-ons, such as rental car collision, cancel for any reason (CFAR) and more.
• Maximum policy length : We looked for travel insurance with policies that could last a minimum of 180 days, favoring companies that offered coverage for up to a year.

Compare Long-Term Travel Insurance For U.S. Citizens

See the table below for a comparison of our recommended travel insurance providers and long-term coverage plans. 

Note: We calculated the below-average costs based on a 30-year-old couple taking a long-term trip to France with $8,000 in non-refundable expenses . Since IMG’s GlobeHopper Senior plan only applies to travelers aged 65 and older, we used a sample 65-year-old couple taking the same trip to France.

Best Long-Term Travel Insurance Plans

Based on our team’s extensive research into cost, coverage, policy lengths and add-on protections, we’ve chosen the following five plans as our picks for the best long-term travel insurance coverage.

Pros and Cons

Why we picked travelex.

Travelex’s Travel Select plan can cover trips for up to one year, making it ideal for long-term travelers looking for comprehensive coverage. This policy offers pricing that includes children and the choice of five different add-ons, including CFAR coverage, car rental collision coverage, an adventure sports exclusion waiver and more. In addition, early purchase benefits include financial default coverage and a pre-existing condition waiver.

Our research has shown that many long-term or annual, multi-trip plans don’t offer benefits such as CFAR coverage or trip cancellation benefits, making Travelex’s Travel Select stand out compared to other long-term plans. However, note that other providers in our review offer higher medical limits with their annual plans over the Travel Select plan.

Allianz Global Assistance

Why We Picked Allianz

Allianz’s OneTrip Premier plan provides a full year of consecutive travel coverage for both you and your children, a potential benefit for travelers with kids planning a long-term stay abroad. The company extends its benefits to each insured traveler, including trip cancellation, trip interruption , emergency medical coverage and more. In addition, pre-existing condition coverage is available if you purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of your first trip payment or deposit.

Allianz also offers what it calls SmartBenefits, which allows you to opt for a fixed “inconvenience” payment of $100 per insured person per day for a covered delay or baggage delay. You won’t need to provide receipts for this coverage, based on our research, just proof of a covered delay. While you may consider Allianz if you’re looking for comprehensive, long-term travel insurance, note that the average cost for the OneTrip Premier plan is higher than those of other providers we reviewed.

Why We Picked Faye

Based on our research, Faye offers a mix of travel and medical benefits that can make its Travel Protection Plan worth considering for a long-term trip. We like how Faye offers policyholders around-the-clock support, including an app to handle travel emergencies and claims. The company also offers telemedicine services at no extra cost. If your telehealth doctor prescribes medicine while you’re on a trip, Faye will reimburse you for the expense.

Faye covers pre-existing conditions with the Travel Protection Plan as long as you purchase a policy within 14 days of your trip. Available add-ons include an adventure and extreme sports waiver, vacation rental damage protection and vet expenses coverage if you take your pet with you on a long-term trip. However, Faye doesn’t offer the longest-lasting plan in our review, with just 180 days of coverage compared to other providers offering around a year.

Why We Picked IMG

Seniors looking for comprehensive travel medical coverage for long-term travel plans may consider International Medical Group (IMG) and its GlobeHopper Senior policy. This plan has no upper age restriction — which, according to our research, is unique in the travel insurance industry. Travelers ages 65 and up can purchase this policy, which can cover up to a year for a single trip. If you’re looking for a long-term, multi-trip senior travel insurance policy, this plan also offers the option of multiple trips per year, up to 45 days each.

We appreciate how IMG allows seniors to choose from various deductibles and maximum coverage limits, making this travel insurance policy more flexible than other companies we’ve researched. While there is no upper age limit, note that coverage limits decline for insured persons 80 years or older.

World Nomads

Why We Picked World Nomads

World Nomads offers the most extensive travel insurance coverage for adventure and extreme sports out of the providers in this review. Its Explorer plan covers medical expenses and evacuations for injuries related to over 200 activities that are often excluded by many policies, such as bungee jumping, scuba diving and more. We also like how you can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started, making it worth considering for last-minute coverage.

While World Nomads’ Explorer Plan could benefit long-term travelers who seek adventure, note that this provider doesn’t extend its coverage to children traveling with you. In addition, the only customization options include choosing between two plans and your length of coverage. If you’re looking for customizable long-term travel insurance or coverage that can protect your family, you may want to consider other options in this review.

How To Pick A Long-Term Travel Insurance Company

As you shop for a long-term travel insurance plan, consider the tips below to help simplify the process of finding the right policy.

Consider Your Coverage Needs

Understanding your travel needs can aid you in picking the best plan. For example, are travel benefits such as trip interruption and baggage coverage most important to you? Or, are emergency medical evacuation and medical care benefits your main concern? Once you’ve decided the types of coverage you want, you can start thinking about how much coverage you’ll need. If you plan on traveling long-term with children, you may also want to look for plans that offer free coverage for kids under a certain age.

Watch for Length Restrictions

Some travel insurance plans will provide more extended coverage than others. If you plan on traveling abroad for a few months, a plan that covers you for up to 180 days may work. If you anticipate staying abroad for up to a year, we suggest looking for plans that can cover you for that amount of time. In our experience, travel insurance providers will plainly state how long a covered trip can last, so it’s best practice to read through sample contracts before purchasing a plan.

Single Versus Multi-Destination Trips

Consider whether your long-term travel plans will include one or multiple destinations. Based on our research, some long-term plans will only cover a stay in one location. If you’re looking for coverage in numerous countries, a multi-destina t ion travel insurance plan may offer a better fit. However, according to our research, you may need to return to a home base between trips.

Understand Coverage Details and Exclusions

All travel insurance plans have a set list of exclusions for the coverage offered. Make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your chosen policy. For example, if your plan covers lost baggage, note any sub-limits or items excluded from your plan. It is also important to understand the maximum benefit amounts for each of the coverages you’ve purchased and whether any deductibles or copays are required before your policy kicks in.

What Is Long-Term Travel Insurance and How Does It Work?

Long-term travel insurance covers trips lasting longer than the time limits most travel providers set for a standard policy. For example, most insurers offer single-trip plans that cover trips lasting up to 30 days. However, a long-term policy often covers travels lasting more than 90 days, with some providing coverage for up to a year. If you choose an annual travel insurance plan for your long-term travel needs, note these policies don’t usually offer trip cancellation coverage as a standard inclusion.

A long-term policy can provide similar coverage to a traditional travel insurance plan. It can protect against trip interruptions , delays, baggage loss or damage, and more. In addition, it can cover emergency medical situations and evacuations while traveling. Long-term plans can help prevent travelers staying abroad for extended periods of time from having to purchase multiple policies to cover the duration of their trip. These plans can also cover multiple destinations , which may suit long-term travelers going from place to place.

According to our research, long-term travel insurance policies may best suit digital nomads, expats and international students. For those more concerned about their health in the event of an illness or accident over travel benefits, you may consider a long-term travel medical insurance plan for your trip. It’s best practice to consider your unique travel needs before settling on a plan, and taking the time to research long-term travel insurance can ensure you find a policy that suits your plans. 

Long-Term Travel Insurance Costs

Based on the quotes we gathered, a long-term travel insurance policy may cost $540 to $1,576 . To help you better understand the cost of a long-term travel insurance policy, we gathered quotes for a 30-year-old couple taking a long-term trip to France with $8,000 in non-refundable expenses. Since the GlobeHopper Senior covers senior travelers, our team gathered rates for a 65-year-old couple taking the same trip outlined above to France.

Comparatively, the average cost of a standard travel insurance policy for a short-term trip is around $221. We calculated this average based on quotes we gathered using seven unique traveler profiles across 20 different travel insurance companies. 

Travel insurance costs are influenced by several variables, such as plan details, trip costs, trip length, traveler age and more. Your exact costs for each of these policies will likely vary. The best way to learn how much one of the above plans could cost you is to get a quote from each company.

How Is Long-Term Travel Insurance Different From Regular Travel Insurance?

Long-term travel insurance differs from a standard travel insurance policy in that coverage is meant for trips lasting more than a few weeks. Typically, most standard single-trip plans can last up to 30 days. However, a long-term policy could cover anywhere from 90 days to a full year, depending on the provider.

While maximum trip lengths differ between policies for long-term and short-term travel, our research found the coverage offered remains largely the same. For example, both short- and long-term travel insurance policies usually offer trip benefits — such as trip interruption and baggage coverage — in addition to emergency medical assistance and evacuation coverage. However, some long-term or annual travel insurance plans may not offer certain add-ons, such as CFAR coverage or trip cancellation protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Long-Term Trips

What is the longest you can get travel insurance for.

The length of a travel insurance policy depends on your chosen provider and plan. In this review, the longest-lasting policy can cover you for up to one year. However, other providers may offer plans that cover you for more extended periods.

Can you buy travel insurance for a whole year?

Yes. Various providers offer travel insurance plans that can last up to a year. However, our research found that some annual plans may only cover travel to one destination over this time. If you’re looking for coverage to multiple destinations, you may want to consider a multi-trip travel insurance plan.

Can you buy travel insurance for a six-month trip?

Travel insurance companies such as Faye and World Nomads offer policies lasting up to six months, according to our research. Most providers will note upfront how long each policy can last, so we recommend reading sample contracts and policy documents to ensure a plan will cover you for your entire trip.

How long does travel medical insurance coverage last?

The length of a travel medical insurance policy depends on your chosen provider and plan. Reading through coverage details on a provider’s website or sample contracts can help you better understand what a plan covers and related monetary and time limits.

How We Rated and Reviewed Long-Term Travel Insurance Companies

Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

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

Note: We based our ratings for each provider on each company as a whole, not just available long-term travel insurance offerings. Learn more about how we chose each long-term travel insurance plan in the sections above .

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

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Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

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Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

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Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

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Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

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Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

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Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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Travel Insurance Singapore Guide (2024): Must-Knows for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Travelling is a favourite Singaporean pastime. A national sport, if you will. But while we all love travel and wanderlust, most of us don’t give much thought to buying travel insurance .

Buying travel insurance in Singapore is something a lot of us take for granted. Few of us bother to buy travel insurance ahead of time, and even fewer compare policies to find the best travel insurance in Singapore .

Here is everything you should look out for before buying travel insurance in Singapore.

Key features to look out for in travel insurance

• What does travel insurance cover?
• How to choose travel insurance
• Travel insurance prices
• Best travel insurance in Singapore
• Common mistakes when buying travel insurance
• Travelling with pre-existing health conditions 
• When should I buy travel insurance?
• Single trip or annual travel insurance?
• Compare travel insurance before buying

1. What does travel insurance cover you for?

A good travel insurance policy covers you for a whole series of situations, from the small inconveniences to the most terrible.

Trust me, you never want to be in a situation that you’re not covered for.

It could be a minor inconvenience, like having your luggage delayed and being forced to spend  at least one night in the same clothes you wore on the entire flight. Or it could be a serious medical emergency, like getting stung badly by jellyfish in the middle of a remote island adventure and needing immediate medical attention.

These days, almost all travel insurance in Singapore automatically includes COVID-19 coverage. That means, you’ll be able to claim from your travel insurance if you get Covid-19 while travelling .

You should also have coverage for everything from lost and delayed luggage, flight delays and cancellations, all the way to medical treatment, medical evacuation and even repatriation in case of serious illness and death. All these different situations have different claim limits, of course.

Travel insurance also covers things like reimbursing deposits if your travel agent goes bust, if your credit card is used fraudulently overseas, or if you  damage your rental car . Some policies even pay you if you are kidnapped while overseas!  And the best part is that travel insurance is relatively cheap and convenient to buy.

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2. How to choose travel insurance

With so many different benefits in a travel insurance plan, it can be tough to decide if a particular travel insurance plan is worth your money. You should look out for how much you are reimbursed for common travel hiccups.

• Find a travel insurance that covers flight delays and cancellations:  Flight delays happen more often than you realise. They can be extremely inconvenient, especially if it ends up causing you to miss your connecting flight. Ensure that your policy covers you for a decent period of time. For example, if your flight is delayed, some policies pay you $100 for every 6 consecutive hours of delay. There’s usually a cap of around $200-$500, but if you want more coverage DirectAsia Voyager 150 pays out up to $1,000 for travel delay.

Total Premium

DirectAsia Voyager 150

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | FLASH DEAL]   • Enjoy 40% off your policy premium • Receive up to S$25  via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.   BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply

Key Features

Additional coverage for Travel Insurance - Sports equipment, Maid and COVID-19. Extreme Sports add-on only available for Annual Plans.

Kids go free – up to four kids travel for free with a Family policy only (2 adults)

Matching kids limits – children enjoy the same coverage limits as adults

Emergency Dental – Accidental Dental treatment can be costly, so it is covered under the main medical expenses coverage which is higher than a separate dental benefit

Optional COVID-19 coverage on trip cancellation, medical expense, and emergency evacuation. Only for Single Trip.

• Lost   or delayed baggage:  Make sure your policy covers you well for such situations. Many policies pay $100 for every 6 consecutive hours your baggage is delayed, including Bubblegum Travel Insurance  which pays up to $3,000 for lost or damaged baggage. Don’t forget to also pay attention to the maximum amount you’re covered for.

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   • Enjoy 10% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$25  via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.

Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

• Medical coverage overseas: Since you can never predict what might happen on your trip, it literally pays to be safe than sorry. A good travel insurance policy covers you for at least $200,000 for overseas medical coverage and unlimited coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. One value-for-money insurance policy that fits the bill is  Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze .

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | FLASH DEAL]    • Enjoy 50% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$50 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.    BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly    Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply

For Cruise to nowhere insurance: Find out more here

Personalise your travel insurance-Flexible coverage allows you to create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and addon that can adapt to your needs

Overseas Covid-19 related medical expenses of up to $15,000 SGD included (Excluding China).

No sublimit or restriction on outpatient expenses and number of visits

24 hours Global Emergency Assistance Services help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation

Seamless and Cashless claims via PayNow

Covers travel expenses for sending back an unattended child during the hospitalisation of the insured person

Please note that travelling to Russia and Ukraine is not covered in Starr’s insurance with immediate effect.

• Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage:  Ideally, your policy should offer coverage for a range of COVID-19 expenses you might encounter during your travels (and even before you fly!). Look out for the travel insurance policies’ coverage for trip cancellation and postponement and medical expenses due to Covid-19. Overseas quarantine cash allowance is an added bonus. For example,  AIG Travel Guard® Direct – Enhanced covers $100 per day for 14 days if you’re quarantined overseas due to COVID-19.

AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Enhanced

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   • Get up to S$220 worth of cash and rewards with eligible premiums spent. • Additionally, receive an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.  T&Cs apply.

Voted TripZilla's Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip).

Up to S$250,000 in overseas COVID-19 related medical coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas.

Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$100 per day per person for up to 14 days if you test positive for COVID-19 overseas and are unexpectedly placed into mandatory quarantine.

Up to S$1,500 if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to postpone your trip.

Up to S$7,500 in curtailment costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to return to Singapore earlier than planned.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the AIG, GIA or SDIC websites (www.AIG.sg or www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

Purchase your travel insurance with confidence and enjoy unlimited flexibility with AIG's Travel Guard® Direct

3. Travel insurance prices in Singapore

Travel insurance in Singapore is very price-sensitive, and sometimes insurers can compete to shave off even $1 from their premiums to make their policies more enticing (yay for us!).

One way to get a cheaper plan is to see which insurers offer regional travel insurance . If you are only travelling to Thailand, for example, it is usually cheaper to get a policy that covers only SEA or ASEAN countries, rather than a worldwide coverage policy .

However, price is not the only factor—especially since cheap insurance policies often mean significantly less coverage. Buying travel insurance is not like buying a “warehouse sale” LV bag in Chatuchak Market. You don’t just shop around, look for the stall owner with the weakest bargaining skills, and haggle the price down as low as can get.

Look at other aspects of the policy when buying travel insurance . There are many other factors to consider—for example, how much coverage you’re eligible for, and how quickly your claims can be processed. Make sure that you don’t have to wait till the next blue moon before you can see the results of your claims.

4. Which travel insurance to buy in Singapore?

Like anything else you purchase, the best travel insurance is what gives you the most value for money. Say you are only travelling to Thailand for a weekend shopping trip, for example. You’re probably travelling light and don’t need more than $3,000 coverage for loss of baggage, even if you can pay just $3 more for significantly more coverage. Save that $3 and treat yourself to all the Thai milk tea you can drink!

As we said earlier, you shouldn’t be so stingy  and only buy the cheapest. The cheapest may have lots of terms and conditions when it comes to claims . For example, an insurer might not cover delayed luggage if it is only delayed returning to Singapore. If this is the only inconvenience you face in your entire trip, you might be understandably upset that it’s not claimable.

The important thing is to read the terms and conditions of your preferred policy carefully and make sure you’re not caught unawares. This is especially important when it comes to medical pre-existing conditions.

5. Common mistakes when buying travel insurance

How many of us actually know how to go about buying a good travel insurance that is suitable for our needs? Here are five common mistakes to avoid when buying travel insurance:

• Buying the most “convenient” travel insurance : Do you just buy the first travel insurance you see on Google? It is important to read the details of the coverage provided to see if they are adequate for your needs or to cover the risks of the destination you’re travelling to, eg. medical coverage and loss of personal belongings.
• Buying travel insurance at the last minute : Do you often buy your travel insurance when waiting to board your flight or while making your way to the airport? Yes, better late than never. However, you should be aware that some of the benefits of the travel insurance are applicable (eg. natural disasters , airline strike, tour agency bankruptcy) if you buy travel insurance ahead of your trip.
• Not buying travel insurance for the entire length of your trip : Should you purchase travel insurance only for the days you are actually overseas? No. You should include flights to and from your holiday destination. In the event of baggage delays, loss or damage, or overbooking of flights, you’d then be able to make a claim. For long haul trips, do remember to cater for the +1 or +2 days that it takes for your flight to reach Singapore.
• Not reading your travel insurance policy : Not all travel insurances are created equal. In fact, the policy document and terms of coverage makes for rather interesting reading. Do go through the policy document for what’s included and excluded, claim limits, and what you gotta do in order to make a claim.
• Assuming travel insurance is “one size fits all” : If your holiday includes adventurous elements like skydiving or scuba diving, check to ensure that the travel insurance you are considering covers these activities. MSIG TravelEasy Elite covers a whole range of activities, including sky diving, hot air ballon rides, and bungee jumping. Alternatively, check to ensure that adventurous activities are not excluded from the claims.

MSIG TravelEasy Elite

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy up to 45% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and  up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply

COVID-19 coverage of up to $300,000 medical cover and up to $5,000 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

Stay protected and enjoy a wide range of adventurous activities from sky diving, scuba diving, white-water rafting to winter sports like dog sledding, tobogganing, sledging and ice-skating.

Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

6. Will pre-existing conditions affect my travel insurance?

One of the biggest travel insurance stories in 2017 was when a Singaporean man had a heart attack in Tokyo and fell into a coma. The medical costs alone cost $120,000 and bringing him back to Singapore via medical evacuation would cost another $120,000.

Because the man had been diagnosed with heart failure in 2012, his insurer considered it a pre-existing condition and therefore no claim was possible. Currently, one insurer that covers pre-existing conditions is MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex travel insurance.

MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard

7. When should I buy travel insurance?

There are many, many things that can go wrong when you’re travelling. Half of these things could happen even before you leave the country!

Waiting to buy your travel insurance policy on the day you travel (or worse, after you’ve already crossed into international waters) puts you at risk for travel inconveniences big and small like delays or postponement.

A good travel insurance policy also covers you for your entire trip being cancelled unexpectedly.

You should buy a travel insurance online as soon as you’ve planned your trip. Getting your travel policy as early as possible does not make you “ kiasu ”. It makes you smart.

This is because you’ll want to maximise the coverage you can get from the policy. For example, if you haven’t bought a policy yet and the travel agency you’re booking with closes down a week before your travel, you won’t be able to claim anything. The same goes for flight delays and flight cancellations.

There is no penalty for buying travel insurance earlier, except maybe missing out on promotions that often happen around the travel season. But what’s the point of saving a few dollars and risk losing hundreds due to cancelled flights and hotel deposits?

8. Buy single trip or annual travel insurance?

In the past, it made more sense to buy single trip travel insurance plans when you leave Singapore. That’s because in the past, most people only travel once or twice a year. With the greater nomad and remote working culture … and travels over long weekend, though? It might actually be more convenient to buy an annual plan for your travel insurance.

A good gauge to determine whether to choose between a single trip plan and an annual plan is to ask yourself if you’re going to be travelling more than 3 times a year . And we’re not just talking about weekend getaways either!

Whether you’re just going across the Causeway or travelling further overseas for work, an annual plan definitely makes more sense to your wallet.

Depending on how often you travel and how far you travel, it might be worthwhile to consider buying annual travel insurance .

If you are a frequent traveller, you not only save money by buying an annual policy, but you’ll never have to spend time buying insurance every time you fly overseas. Of course, just like single trip travel insurance, you should still compare the various policies online before you commit.

Annual travel insurance has a flat premium and covers you for an entire year of travel. It usually costs about $200-$300 a year, so only buy it it you are a frequent traveller. That is, it only makes sense if you are going to travel overseas more than 7-8 times a year, at least.

9. Why should I compare travel insurance before buying it?

Comparing allows you to choose the best travel insurance policy for your needs. You’ll be able to see at a glance what coverage policies have for various situations, such as medical costs, and compensation levels for lost, delayed and damaged baggage.

But of course, comparing travel insurance in Singapore allows you to see that the cheapest travel insurance policy may not be the best. This is because the cheaper policies usually have significantly less coverage, naturally. While that may be a good thing for some travellers – there’s no need to get a $1,000 coverage for lost luggage if you’re only bringing the bare minimum to a staycation in Bangkok, for example.

ALSO READ: Best Travel Insurance in Singapore: AIG vs AXA vs FWD vs NTUC

Are you headed overseas? Compare the cheapest travel insurance here .

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