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Disappointing experience with So Nomad…

Disappointing experience with So Nomad insurance broker! I will not consider purchasing from them again. Received an insurance card with a contact number, but when attempting to make a claim for a 48-hour flight delay (resulting in approximately $1000 in lost travel expenses), the process was frustrating. Calling the provided number led to being redirected back to Sonomad customer service. Despite speaking with So Nomad insurance assistance, there was confusion and an inability to initiate the claim.

Date of experience : December 27, 2023

Insurance Efficient, Claiming ..Not so much …

Like other reviews from Sonomads customers , my husband and I also found their travel insurance reasonable and their representatives quite informative . We had reason to submit a small claim for just under $500.00 while away in Mexico . We were informed by e-mail from World Travel ( I’m guessing Sonomads underwriters ) in Ontario this past April that our claim had been approved and a cheque would be on its way by the end of the month . At the end of May I e-mailed back to say it had not arrived as yet . Got no response , so June 8th. I called them by phone and spoke to their claims dept . Confirming they had our correct mailing address , I was told that they would re-issue a cheque and mail it right away . I called again June 21st. I was then told the cheque was only mailed out on June 13th. July 5th , still no cheque so I called again and asked if they could either direct deposit the claim amount to our financial institution or e-transfer ? . I was told that their accountant could only do that so I asked to speak to her . Was told she was on another line so I left a voice message for her to please get back to me . No response by afternoon of the following day so again I called and said I would have to contact their compliance dept . if no response . This time they let me leave my own message on the accountants voice mail . I finally received an e-mail from their accountant the following day with an apology for the delay and asking for my bank information to enable the claim amount to be deposited to our bank . July 7th it was deposited . Just a follow up to say that at this date no first or second cheque ever did arrive in our mail box ? I hope other people who might need to make a future claim never need to go through this hassle .

Date of experience : July 07, 2023

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SoNomad Review (August, 2024) – Pros, Cons, Features, & Pricing

This SoNomad review is all about finding the right travel insurance provider. About 40% of Canadians buy travel insurance, which is alarming given the risks involved in travelling.

Editorial Note: Comparewise is supported by our readers. When you find products and services through links on our site, we may earn commission.

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Emergency medical travel insurance

• Travel insurance for visitors to Canada
• All-inclusive travel insurance

Compare quotes from 14 Canadian insurers online - Claim this offer

Travel insurance is essential because it protects you if something unexpected happens on your trip, like a medical emergency, a flight cancellation, or a lost bag.

SoNomad is a travel insurance provider that covers all your travel insurance needs. Their core values include transparency, affordability, and simplicity. And their entire practice is centred around them. They offer insurance for medical care, trip cancellation, travel insurance for visitors, and much more.

There’s much more to learn about travel insurance and SoNomad. Keep reading this SoNomad review for more information.

What makes SoNomad a good option?

There are some core values that this travel insurance provider stands for. These are the primary features the company chooses to show and will be given attention to in this SoNomad review. They are as follows:

The process of using SoNomad is exceptionally straightforward. This is because standard and top-notch technology makes all the processes easier. Your travel insurance is easily and quickly purchased.

Affordability

Travel insurance is not cheap. SoNomad, however, provides affordable insurance. A minimum fee is charged for each transaction that you make.

Overall, as a SoNomad user, you get to save up to 25% of the travel insurance cost. This is unlike the traditional brokers. Their commissions are usually high and not always affordable.

Pros and cons of SoNomad

This part of our SoNomad travel insurance review will highlight what we like and dislike about this insurance broker.

Pros of SoNomad

• With SoNomad, you can get travel insurance as fast as possible. It also gets effective as soon as you purchase.
• Compared to some other travel insurance agencies, SoNomad is cheaper.
• Because of the state-of-the-art technology that has been invested in the program, it is easy to use.

Cons of SoNomad

• New to the travel insurance market

Product and services of SoNomad travel insurance

Unexpected medical issues may arise from time to time, necessitating the need to protect yourself. This is where emergency medical travel insurance comes in.

Affordable coverage for pre-existing medical conditions

There are common chronic health conditions, like heart or kidney diseases, that you can have. It is not a death sentence, hence the need for coverage when travelling. SoNomad provides such coverage for you when the need arises.

Annual travel insurance plans

There are often frequent travellers, and this multi-trip insurance covers them. It is ideal for work-related reasons or just plain vacations.

Trip insurance

This is the insurance for trip cancellation and interruption. This insurance will cover you if you cancel your trip because of something out of your control, such as illness or injuries. Their plans also typically cover medical expenses like ambulance services or hospitalizations that happened during a trip.

Visitors travel insurance

This applies to people who want to visit Canada anytime soon, for short- or long-term trips. It serves as a cover for you or your loved ones.

Unfortunately, the Canadian health insurance plans do not cover you if you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. This means you will be required to pay out of your pocket in cases of accidents or illnesses.

SoNomad’s visitor insurance offers competitive and affordable rates, making it a good option for several groups. This includes future residents of Canada, foreign workers waiting for their employer-provided health insurance start, super visa holders, and international students.

SoNomad product and service quality

It’s worth noting that SoNomad is a relatively new insurance company. As such, there aren’t enough genuine customer reviews to rate its service quality.

However, the company offers a seamless process for prospective travellers to get insurance quotes from a pool of reliable partners nationwide. It’s worth checking out if you want a broker that charges zero commissions.

To be eligible for soNomad’s insurance, you must be a Canadian resident covered by your provincial health insurance plan.

How to get started with SoNomad travel insurance

Unlike some other insurance agencies, the paperwork to fill out can be discouraging. SoNomad travel insurance values simplicity and streamlines the application process.

This SoNomad review will also show you the steps you can take for a travel insurance application.

Fill out the form on the website

The form comprises your first and last names, a telephone number, an email address, and the province in which you reside.

Get a call for your quote

When filling out your form with your details, select the “call back” option. This is because an agent would call you to inform you about your quote.

Pick your plan

The plans offered by SoNomad have already been explained above. Pick a plan that best suits you and get your documents as soon as possible.

Alternatives to SoNomad

SoNomad has a lot of travel coverage, but you might want to compare its prices and quality of service with those of other companies. This section of our SoNomad review highlights some of the top alternatives to consider.

SoNomad vs Manulife

Manulife is one of the best travel insurance companies in Canada. It has a wide range of plans to meet your needs. With their standard emergency medical benefits, you can be covered for up to $10 million in emergency medical bills per insured.

SoNomad vs World Nomads

World Nomads is an insurance company for frequent travelers. It was started in Australia in 2002 by Simon Monk.

They’re all about developing travel insurance products that cover both medical and trip cancellations, among other things.

SoNomad review conclusion

The protection that travel insurance gives you cannot be overemphasized. It helps you save funds. The thrilling aspect is that this provision is also given to non-Canadian visitors.

Undoubtedly, you have expanded your knowledge base and learned a few more things with this SoNomad review.

You might also like…

• World Nomads Review – Pros, Cons, Features, & Pricing

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FAQs about our SoNomad review

Travel insurance covers things like medical bills and trip cancellations, among many other things. They're all about developing travel insurance products that, as previously stated, cover both medical and trip cancellations, among other things. It becomes effective the day you purchase it. All events leading to trip cancellation will be covered from the day of your purchase until your supposed departure day.

Yes, you can. You must wait about 48 hours after the insurance is purchased. The main reason for the wait is that the insurance needs to be turned on before it can cover health problems. However, there is no waiting period for emergencies like accidents, burns from fire incidents, and others.

It is vital to purchase travel insurance. There could be unforeseen circumstances that would arise and cause a hole in your pocket. Without travel insurance, you would need to spend vast sums of money if a medical emergency came up. All this can be prevented by buying insurance.

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » soNomad

Is soNomad insurance best for you? Review 2024

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Information verified by   Alexandre Desoutter

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Getting a good travel insurance plan requires careful research and considering multiple factors that make it complicated. That's where soNomad Insurance comes into the picture.

You could be a snowbird, an international student, or a regular Canadian traveler or visitor, no matter who you are, soNomad insurance makes buying a travel insurance plan easy, quick, and affordable.

So let's dive into the various coverage options, pros, cons, and costs of soNomad travel insurance, so you can decide if it's the right choice for you. You can use our free comparator to compare soNomad plans with other providers and get travel insurance quotes in seconds right here .

soNomad Insurance Canada: 5 Key Takeaways

• soNomad offers a compelling combination of affordability and comprehensive coverage.
• Its plans cover an array of travel risks, including medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
• soNomad offers COVID-19 coverage at no additional cost.
• It enhances the customer experience with an easy-to-use website. 
• soNomad caters to various types of travelers, including Canadian Snowbirds.

Our soNomad insurance review for 2024

soNomad is a relatively new travel insurance company that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its low prices and comprehensive coverage. It is a Canadian company, but it offers travel insurance to residents of many countries around the world.

While conventional insurance brokers may impose substantial commission fees, SoNomad adopts a different approach. They levy a minimal fee, emphasizing that this can result in savings of approximately 25% for their clients .

soNomad's travel insurance plans cover a wide range of risks, including the following but not restricted to:

• Medical emergencies and evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
• Flight delays and cancellations
• Rental car damage

soNomad's p lans are also very affordable as mentioned in several soNomad insurance reviews online, especially compared to traditional travel insurance companies . For example, a one-week trip to Europe for a 30-year-old traveler would cost around $50 (approx.) with soNomad, but over $100 with a traditional company.

Moreover, unlike other providers who commonly charge service and administrative fees for altering travel dates, SoNomad distinguishes itself by not imposing any such charges. This sets them apart as a more cost-effective and flexible choice for travelers.

The soNomad insurance reviews have been mostly positive from travelers. Many people appreciate the company's low prices and comprehensive coverage. If you think soNomad is the right choice for you, you can get personalized quotes right here.

Pros and cons of soNomad travel insurance

• Affordable prices
• Comprehensive coverage
• Easy-to-use website and app
• COVID-19 coverage included at no extra cost
• Quick quotes online
• Some plans have limited coverage for certain activities, such as extreme sports
• Pre-existing conditions coverage at extra cost

If you want to see how soNomad fares against other providers, you can do it right here. Use our free comparator below to compare plans and get free quotes from the best travel insurance companies in Canada, and in a few seconds.

Compare best travel insurance in Canada in 20 seconds.

What is the cost of soNomad insurance?

The cost of soNomad insurance depends on the type of insurance you purchase, the length of your trip, the destination you are traveling to, and your age. You can get a free quote on the soNomad website or using our free comparator above.

Here is an estimate of the cost of soNomad insurance (via Axis travel insurance) for a 19-day trip to UAE and India for a 27-year-old traveler (BC resident):

If you need medical coverage only, here’s what the cost would look like:

If you choose trip cancellation only, you will end up paying:

It is important to get quotes based on your unique situation to know the exact expense. You can use our free comparator below to compare plans and get free personalized quotes from soNomad and other best travel insurance providers in no time right here.

Compare the best travel insurance deals in Canada and save money

Who owns soNomad insurance?

soNomad travel insurance is a privately held company founded in 2019 by Mathieu Laplante and Patrick Lavoie. Laplante is the company's CEO and Lavoie is the Chief Strategy Officer.

Here are some other key facts about the company:

• soNomad has partnered with several industry-leading insurance companies to offer its travel insurance plans, including Berkshire Hathaway's National Liability & Fire Insurance Company.
• This means that soNomad customers are protected by some of the most financially sound insurance companies in the world.
• soNomad is headquartered in Brossard, Quebec, Canada.
• The company has a team of experienced insurance professionals who are dedicated to providing customers with the best possible travel insurance experience.

By establishing partnerships with some of the world's largest insurance companies, SoNomad is able to provide unique, exclusive products in collaboration with these insurers. This strategic collaboration enables SoNomad to maintain a minimal transaction fee, enhancing affordability and expanding options for their customers.

<strong>Is soNomad insurance legit? </strong>

Yes, soNomad insurance is legitimate. soNomad is a licensed and registered travel insurance company in Canada. It is also a member of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA).

What are the types of soNomad insurance?

There are three types of soNomad insurance that you can benefit from:

• Medical insurance
• Trip insurance
• Visitors Insurance

Let’s dig deep into each plan and what they cover.

soNomad Medical Insurance

soNomad's medical insurance for Canadians traveling outside their provinces is a comprehensive plan that covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospitalization
• Prescription drugs
• Medical evacuation
• Emergency dental care

This plan also covers COVID-19 and all its variants, at no extra cost. You can even choose a variant of this plan that covers pre-existing conditions.

soNomad Trip Insurance

soNomad's trip cancellation and interruption insurance plan is designed to protect you from financial losses if you are unable to take your trip or if your trip is interrupted due to an unexpected event.

Covered events include:

• Sickness, injury, or death of you or a family member
• Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Flight cancellations or delays
• Lost or stolen luggage

If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason , soNomad will reimburse you for the non-refundable portion of your trip costs.

If your trip is interrupted due to a covered reason , soNomad will reimburse you for the unused portion of your trip costs, as well as the cost of returning home or rejoining your trip.

soNomad Visitors Insurance

soNomad's Visitors to Canada travel insurance plan is a comprehensive plan that protects visitors to Canada from unexpected medical expenses and other travel-related risks. The plan covers a wide range of events, including:

Good to know

soNomad's visitors to Canada travel insurance plan is also one of the few plans that covers COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 while you are in Canada, soNomad will cover the cost of your medical treatment and quarantine.

What are the exclusions of soNomad insurance?

SoNomad's exclusions vary depending on the policy you purchase. However, some general exclusions include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you purchase additional coverage)
• Intentional acts
• Criminal activity
• War and terrorism
• High-risk activities, such as extreme sports

It is important to read the full policy document to understand all of the exclusions. Here are some tips for avoiding travel insurance exclusions:

• Disclose all pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company when you purchase your policy.
• Avoid participating in high-risk activities while traveling.
• Be aware of the political and security situation in your destination country.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect your belongings and yourself.

If you have any questions about soNomad's exclusions, please contact the company directly.

What is soNomad's Snowbirds insurance?

soNomad's Snowbirds Insurance is a travel insurance plan designed specifically for Canadian Snowbirds. It provides comprehensive coverage for Snowbirds who are traveling outside of Canada for an extended period of time, typically during the winter months.

The plan covers a wide range of risks, including:

• Emergency medical and evacuation

soNomad's Snowbirds insurance also includes a number of features that are specifically tailored to the needs of Snowbirds, such as:

• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (with additional premium)
• Coverage for snow sports (with additional premium)
• Coverage for travel to the United States and Mexico
• Coverage for travel up to 12 months

The cost of soNomad's Snowbirds insurance depends on the length of your trip, the destination you are traveling to, and your age. However, soNomad is known for its affordable prices, especially compared to traditional travel insurance companies.

How to contact soNomad insurance?

There are a couple of ways in which you can get in touch with soNomad. For instance, you can visit their website and fill in an online form. An authorized customer agent from the team will get in touch with you. You will need to enter some basic information like: 

• Contact number
• Province of residence
• Call back option

Alternatively, you can call the company at 1-855-221-4555 or email at [email protected] . SoNomad travel insurance reviews have been highly positive for their customer service.

Sunny has over six years of experience curating engaging content spanning across industries. Specifically in finance, his expertise is insurance reviews and lending and investment topics.

soNomad: Affordable and practical travel insurance

Why take a travel insurance

When traveling, unforeseen events can happen, and not always positive ones! Travel insurance is not mandatory when going for a trip, but it is highly recommended to protect yourself from such events.

If there are health complications , hospitalization abroad can be very costly. If there are unexpected expenses because the plane is late or canceled , the vacation budget can easily be exceeded for a cause that is not our fault.

Some credit cards offer excellent travel insurance , and the requirements can be very demanding. If the conditions are not met, the claim may be rejected.

But there are other travel insurance options on the market to make sure you’re fully covered.

soNomad offers fast, user-friendly travel insurance directly on its website, without any intermediaries. This makes it possible to lower the cost of products offered to consumers.

And we’ve tried it!

Travel insurance for Canadians and visitors to Canada

For Canadians, soNomad offers :

• Medical insurance
• Cancellation insurance

What’s more, Snowbirds of all ages can take out travel insurance with soNomad . These Snowbirds benefit from emergency medical care, COVID-19 coverage and may even be covered for pre-existing medical conditions.

In addition, soNomad also provides travel insurance for visitors to Canada , such as :

• Visitors to Canada from other countries
• Foreign workers in Canada waiting for their group insurance to take effect
• Foreign students
• Future residents of Canada waiting for official documents or private insurance in force
• Supervisa holders

Even a Canadian returning to Canada after several years can take out Visitor to Canada insurance, while he or she obtains coverage under his or her provincial health insurance plan.

Easy-to-understand, inexpensive travel insurance

Step 1: fill in your information.

In order for soNomad to provide a quote that meets the exact requirements of the stay abroad, the person must provide simple personal information such as :

• Country of residence
• Destination(s) visited
• Age of the person(s) in the group to be insured
• Start and end dates of the trip
• And the value of the trip to be covered

Step 2: Choose the best travel insurance option

Next, soNomad displays the travel insurance options:

• Loss of prescription medication during the trip
• Emergency dental care
• Need for an air ambulance
• Emergency paramedical treatment (chiropractor, podiatrist, physiotherapist, etc.) at destination
• Plane ticket for a relative or friend to come to our bedside in hospital
• Bringing children home if a parent is hospitalized
• Glasses replacement
• COVID-19 or other infectious disease coverage
• Pet boarding if the owner is hospitalized while traveling
• Death of a relative or pet
• Airline bankruptcy
• Fire, vandalism, disaster or burglary at the primary residence
• Uninhabitable destination hotel
• Non-issuance, loss or theft of a passport
• Weather delay
• Loss of job or school exam
• Quarantine coverage if tested positive for COVID-19
• Also includes lost, stolen or delayed baggage

Prices are shown for each option, with coverage. Simply hover the cursor over the question mark to find out more about the protection.

The link View full benefits and policy leads to all the information on the future insurance contract. This will help you understand the eligibility of the policy and the conditions for each benefit.

Step 3: Buy travel insurance and get immediate confirmation

Once you have selected your insurance, click on Buy .

All you have to do is enter your date of birth and address. Payment methods are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

There you go ! It’s settled!

An e-mail is automatically sent with the details and documents concerning your travel insurance policy. Keep a copy in your luggage and give one to your loved ones just in case.

It is your responsibility to carefully read and understand all the documents and exclusions in this new travel insurance policy.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and call soNomad at 1-855-360-7225 , available Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 17:00. In addition, contact soNomad before you travel if you have any health problems or change your medication.

Bottom Line - My review

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and financial help if you ever need emergency assistance that upsets your plans.

soNomad is an interesting and fast alternative for travel insurance that protects you from all sides. For longer stays, our colleague Marie-Ève compared prices and opted for soNomad , which cost her less in total than extending her credit card insurance .

I purchased travel insurance from soNomad two days before my vacation in Mexico. I had printed out and kept in my carry-on my insurance certificate with the emergency numbers, just in case.

I didn’t have any problems during my trip and fortunately I didn’t have to make any claims. But I had peace of mind, even in case of bad luck!

All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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SoNomad Travel Insurance Review

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SoNomad is a travel insurance company that caters to all your travel insurance needs. Their mission is to help Canadians save money on travel insurance while making the process simple and easy to understand. They also have a strong commitment to transparency, affordability, and simplicity. With these core values as their main principles, they apply them to all their products including medical care insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, snowbird insurance and, visitor travel insurance. 

Our Verdict

What does sonomad offer .

SoNomad offers a variety of travel insurance plans:

Medical Insurance 

If you find yourself requiring medical attention while travelling abroad, a medical insurance plan from SoNomad can help you avoid a potentially devastating medical bill. Medical coverage includes the following:

• 24/7 emergency medical assistance
• Ambulance (including air ambulance)
• Hospitalization
• Doctor visits

If you have a pre-existing medical condition , you may still be able to qualify with one of SoNomad’s partner insurers, as long as you meet the qualification and stability requirements. Simply fill out a quick health questionnaire to see what you can qualify for.  

For frequent travellers, a multi-trip plan from SoNomad can save you time and money. Choose from 7-, 15-, 30-, or 45-day plans.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Anything can happen before you depart for your travels, including illness, injury, family emergency, or other unforeseen event. If you have to cancel your trip or return home early, SoNomad’s travel cancellation and interruption insurance plan will help you get reimbursed.   

Choose from two trip cancellation insurance plans:

Trip cancellation insurance:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Travel delay
• Supplier bankruptcy
• National disaster 
• Political evacuation
• 24/7 emergency assistance

The all-inclusive plan is more comprehensive and includes everything covered under the travel insurance plan, plus the following:

• Emergency medical assistance

Snowbird Insurance

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians spend a big chunk of their winters in a southern destination to escape the frigid temperatures in Canada. But while down south, snowbirds should have some form of insurance coverage in case the unexpected happens. 

SoNomad offers a snowbird insurance plan to provide ample coverage during your travels down south. You can also save up to 25% on SoNomad’s exclusive insurance products. 

Coverage includes the following:

• COVID-19 coverage at no extra charge
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions

Visitors to Canada Insurance

Canada’s health insurance has a great reputation for its comprehensive coverage, but it is exclusively for Canadian citizens. Visitors to Canada are not covered under the country’s health insurance program. That’s why everyone who visits Canada should take steps to ensure they are covered.

SoNomad offers affordable rates on insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Coverage includes the following:

• Ambulance 
• Prescription medication

A super visa allows non-Canadians to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for five years at a time. It also permits multiple entries into Canada for a period of up to 10 years. 

SoNomad’s super visa insurance plan provides all the coverage needed while visiting family in Canada at the best rates. The plan also follows all guidelines set by the Canadian government for super visa applicants.

Qualifying For Travel Insurance

Generally speaking, it can be difficult to get travel insurance coverage for a pre-existing medical condition, particularly one that is not under control. For your pre-existing condition to qualify for coverage, it typically must be stable for at least three months before your departure.

That said, SoNomad’s questionnaire will help you determine what you may qualify for and where you can get the best coverage. 

Other than that, travel insurance is relatively easy to qualify for. Simply answer a few questions, make your required payment, and you’ll have travel insurance for your next trip.

How To Apply With SoNomad

Applying for a travel insurance plan with SoNomad is easy and takes just a few minutes to complete:

Once you’ve completed these steps, SoNomad will populate a handful of travel insurance plan options for you, along with their cost and coverage. 

What We Like About SoNomad

SoNomad has plenty of perks for travellers to take advantage of:

• Multiple insurance plans to choose from
• Multi-trip plan form to save money
• Up to 25% in savings for snowbirds
• Easy online application for a quick quote
• Options for deductible amounts

What We Think You Should Watch Out For

The only downsides we found with SoNomad are as follows:

• Relatively new in the insurance industry – but managed by industry veterans with more than 20 years experience.
• Minimal customer reviews are available.

Is SoNomad Safe? 

SoNomad, while new to the market, has made it’s way up through a number of partnerships. For example, they’ve partnered with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) to ensure Canadians get the best coverage when travelling. Moreover, the company is known for its high level of transparency and innovative technology as being among the best in the industry. 

Under its privacy policy , SoNomad says that it only collects personal information required within the limits permitted by law. The company also claims to implement control measures to protect personal information. Data is only communicated to authorized personnel after specific permission is provided by consumers. 

How Does SoNomad Compare To Manulife?

When it comes to insurance products, Manulife is a veteran in the industry. So, how does SoNomad compare to Manulife? 

Final Thoughts

Having travel insurance will give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll be financially protected in case the unexpected happens while travelling abroad. SoNomad has plenty of options available to help you tailor your coverage to suit you. The platform provides a quick and hassle-free way to shop around and buy a policy in a user-friendly and easy-to-understand format so you can obtain a quick policy in time for your upcoming trip. 

SoNomad FAQs

Does sonomad provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, can i buy travel insurance after my departure, can i extend my policy coverage while i’m travelling, when does my travel insurance policy take effect, top editorial picks.

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Lisa Rennie

Lisa has been working as a personal finance writer for more than a decade, creating unique content that helps to educate Canadian consumers in the realms of real estate, mortgages, investing and financial health. For years, she held her real estate license in Toronto, Ontario before giving it up to pursue writing within this realm and related niches. Lisa is very serious about smart money management and helping others do the same.

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• Travel Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance Companies

12 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of August 2024

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Aug 16, 2024, 3:59pm

Key Takeaways

• The best travel insurance companies are  PrimeCover,   Travel Insured International and WorldTrips , based on our analysis of 42 policies.
• Travel insurance policies can compensate you for unforeseen events that can happen before or during your trip. Examples include if you have to cancel your trip for a reason listed in the policy, experience a delay or get injured during your trip.
• Our analysis found the average cost of travel insurance is 6% of your insured trip cost.

Considering Travel Insurance?

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

• Best Travel Medical Insurance
• Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance
• Best Medical Insurance For Visitors
• Best Senior Travel Insurance

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes

The best travel insurance companies, the best travel insurance companies in more detail, best travel insurance companies: summary, how much does travel insurance cost, what does travel insurance cover, when to skip travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance companies frequently asked questions (faqs), compare & buy travel insurance.

• PrimeCover – Best for Evacuation
• Travel Insured International – Best for Non-Medical Evacuation
• WorldTrips – Great for Add-On Coverage
• TravelSafe – Best for Missed Connections
• Nationwide – Best for Policy Perks
• AIG – Best for Customization
• Seven Corners – Great for Medical & Evacuation
• AXA Assistance USA – Best for Baggage
• Generali Global Assistance – Great for Pre-Existing Medical Condition Coverage
• Travelex – Best for Families
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance – Best for Trip Interruption
• Nationwide – Great for Cruise Itinerary Change/Inconvenience

How We Chose the Best Travel Insurance

We assessed cost, travel medical and evacuation limits, baggage and trip delay benefits, the availability of cancellation and interruption upgrades, and more. Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

• 42 travel insurance policies evaluated
• 1,596 coverage details analyzed
• 102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

BEST FOR EVACUATION

Top-scoring plan

Average cost

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$250,000/$1 million

We recommend the Luxe policy because it has superior benefit limits for nearly all core coverage types. We were especially impressed with its generous evacuation coverage, short waiting periods for delays and wide range of optional benefits.

More:  PrimeCover Travel Insurance Review

• Provides “hospital of choice” in its medical evacuation coverage, meaning you choose the medical facility rather than being transported to the nearest adequate treatment center.
• Non-medical evacuation benefits of $100,000.
• Superior trip interruption reimbursement of 200%, which is twice as much as many competitors.
• You can buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, compared to 15 days for many other top-rated companies.
• Medical expense coverage of $250,000 per person is great, but some competitors provide $500,000.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Luxe policy.

Also included:

• Change benefits of $300 for changing original travel arrangements, such as transferring airlines.
• Itinerary change benefits of $500.
• Lost golf fee benefits of $500 and lost ski/snowboard fee benefits of $150.
• Rental property damage liability benefits of $1,500.
• Search and rescue benefits of $5,000.
• Sports equipment rental coverage of $1,000.
• Travel inconvenience coverage of $100 each for closed attractions and flight diversions.

Optional add-on coverage includes:

• AD&D flight-only choices of $100,000, $250,000 and $500,000.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade.
• Increased trip delay coverage choices of $4,000 or $7,000.
• “Interruption for any reason” upgrade.
• Rental car damage coverage of $50,000.

BEST FOR NON-MEDICAL EVACUATION

Travel insured international.

Worldwide Trip Protector

Average price

$100,000/$1 million

We recommend Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector policy because it offers robust benefits at the lowest average price among top-rated plans we analyzed. We also like its superior non-medical evacuation coverage.

More: Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
• Top-notch non-medical evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Good travel delay and baggage delay benefits kick in after just a three-hour delay.
• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be enough for your needs.
• Missed connection benefits of $500 are low compared to top-rated competitors and for cruise and tours only.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Worldwide Trip Protector policy.

• Pet kennel benefits of up to $500 are included if you return home three hours or more later than your planned return date.

Optional add-ons offered:

• Rental car damage and theft coverage of up to $50,000.
• Event ticket protection pays up to $1,000 if you can’t attend for a reason covered by the policy.
• Travel inconvenience coverage allows you to recoup money for unforeseen circumstances, such as closed beaches and attractions, rainy weather, tarmac delays and more.
• Bed rest benefits pay up to $4,000 if a doctor requires you to stay on bed rest for at least 48 hours during your trip.

I have been working with Travel Insured for over 15 years, and have been using them almost exclusively. Typically, they have been quite responsive and pay their claims in a timely fashion.

– Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, chief experience officer of Live Well, Travel Often

GREAT FOR ADD-ON COVERAGE

Atlas Journey Premier

We like the Atlas Journey Elevate plan for its wide choice of add-ons. These add-ons provide extra coverage for pets traveling with you, adventure sports, medical expenses, and more. We also like that this plan has a low average cost compared to competitors.

Another option is the Atlas Journey Escape plan, but this policy doesn’t offer the “interruption for any reason” upgrade and has lower travel medical benefits of $150,00 per person. Still, it hits all the marks for great benefits at a low price. It also offers lots of choices for add-on coverage.

More: WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

• Very good travel delay benefits of $2,000 per person after only five hours.
• Good baggage insurance coverage of $2,500.
• Medical coverage limits of $150,000 aren’t as high compared to some top-rated competitors but you might find it’s sufficient.
• Baggage delay benefits have a 12-hour waiting period.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Atlas Journey Premier policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 if your arrival home is delayed due to a transportation delay and you can’t work for at least two days, your flight lands at a different airport than scheduled, your passport is stolen and can’t be reissued, and more.
• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Destination wedding coverage in case the wedding is canceled.
• Baggage insurance upgrade to $4,000 per person.
• Rental car theft and damage coverage of $50,000.
• Political or security evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Vacation rental accommodations coverage of $500 if unclean or overbooked.
• Adventure sports add-on to extend coverage to safaris, bungee jumping and more.
• Hunting and fishing coverage for equipment and cancellation due to government restrictions.
• School activities coverage if trip has to be canceled due a test, sporting event, etc.

WorldTrips offers a streamlined process for purchasing insurance online and filing claims. A user-friendly interface and efficient claims handling contribute to a positive customer experience and increased satisfaction.

– Joe Cronin , advisory board member

BEST FOR MISSED CONNECTIONS

Classic Plus Plan

TravelSafe’s Classic Plus plan stood out in our analysis for its superior missed connection benefits of $2,500. We also like the Classic Plus plan’s top-notch medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.

More: TravelSafe Travel Insurance Review

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
• Superior baggage loss coverage limits of $2,500.
• Great travel delay limits of $2,000 per person after a six-hour delay.
• $100,000 in medical benefits is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be sufficient for your needs.
• Baggage delay coverage is a little skimpy at $250 per person after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Classic Plus policy.

• Itinerary change coverage of $250 per person if your travel supplier makes a change that forces you to lose non-refundable costs for missed activities.
• Reimburses $300 for fees if you have to redeposit frequent traveler awards for reasons covered by your trip cancellation insurance.
• Pet kennel coverage of $100 a day if your return home is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a reason covered in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% of lost trip costs.
• Accidental death and dismemberment for flights, up to $500,000 per person.
• Rental car damage and theft up to $35,000.
• Business equipment and sports equipment coverage of $1,000 if lost, stolen or damaged.

TravelSafe packs essential coverage into budget-friendly rates without skimping on key benefits, and its responsive claims handling preserves peace of mind.

– Timon van Basten, tour guide and founder of Travel Spain 24

BEST FOR POLICY PERKS

Cruise Luxury

$150,000/$1 million

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan is one of our favorites because it has a treasure trove of benefits such as “interruption for any reason” and “cancel for work reasons” coverage. You can upgrade to “cancel for any reason” coverage. Some competitors offer none or one of those options. We also like its excellent missed connection benefit of $2,500 per person.

Note that you do not have to be going on a cruise to take advantage of this policy’s coverage.

More: Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

• “Interruption for any reason” benefit of $1,000 per person is included.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits for problems such as a natural disaster or security or political problem.
• Good travel delay benefits of $1,000 per person.
• Medical coverage of $150,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to some competitor policies with only a 12-hour delay requirement.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Luxury policy.

• Inconvenience benefit of $250 per person if your cruise ship’s arrival at the next port of call is delayed for two or more hours due to mechanical breakdown or fire.
• “Interruption for any reason” up to $1,000.
• Coverage for extension of the school year, terrorism in an itinerary city, work-related emergency issues.
• Coverage if the CDC issues a health warning at your destination.

Optional add-on offered:

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that provides 75% reimbursement of insured trip cost if you cancel two or more days prior to your departure for a reason not listed in the base policy.

Count me in as a believer in Nationwide’s trusted track record in insurance. Their travel policies check all the boxes, especially for cruises. My only gripe is that some of their medical limits seem lower than other guys. But the rates are easy on the wallet.

– Tim Schmidt, travel expert, entrepreneur, published travel author and founder of All World

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Travel Guard Deluxe

The Travel Guard Deluxe plan impressed us with its optional pet, wedding, security, baggage, medical, adventures sports and travel inconvenience upgrades. These add-ons allow you to customize the policy to your needs. We also like that the policy includes benefits if, under certain conditions, you must start your trip earlier than planned—a feature not found in all policies.

More: AIG Travel Insurance Review

• Offers upgrades to meet the needs and budgets of many kinds of travelers.
• Includes $100,000 per person for security evacuation and superior medical evacuation coverage of $1 million per person.
• Provides up to $750 per person for “travel inconveniences” such as a flight delay to your return destination, runway delays and cruise diversions.
• Has good travel delay coverage of $1,000 per person, with a short waiting period of five hours.
• The Travel Guard Deluxe policy has robust coverage across the board but also a high average cost ($539) compared to other top-rated policies.
• Medical expense coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side but might be adequate for your needs.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Guard Deluxe policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 total ($250 per problem) if you encounter issues such as closed attractions, cruise diversion, hotel infestation, hotel construction and more.
• Trip exchange benefits of 50% of your trip cost that pay the difference in price between your original reservation and the new one.
• Ancillary evacuation benefits up to $5,000 for expenses related to return of children, bedside visits, baggage return and more.
• Flight accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $100,000 per person.
• Rental vehicle damage coverage.
• “Name Your Family” upgrade allows you to add a person to your policy who will qualify for family member-related unforeseen events that can apply to claims for trip cancellation and interruption.
• Adventure Sports Bundle for adventure and extreme activities.
• Pet Bundle for boarding and medical expenses for illness or injury of dog or cat while traveling. Includes trip cancellation or trip interruption if your pet is in critical condition or dies within seven days before your departure.
• Wedding Bundle to cover trip cancellation due to wedding cancellation. Sorry cold-feeters: Coverage does not apply if you are the bride or groom.

The Travel Guard Preferred plan also earned 4.3 stars in our analysis. We recommend this policy if you’re looking for a lower price and don’t need the higher coverage amounts provided by the Deluxe plan. The Preferred plan provides $50,000 for medical expenses and $500,000 for medical evacuation benefits per person.

AIG’s TravelGuard offers an easy-to-use online platform for purchasing insurance and filing claims. A streamlined process minimizes hassle for customers, making it convenient to obtain coverage and receive reimbursement for eligible expenses.

GREAT FOR MEDICAL & EVACUATION COVERAGE

Seven corners.

Trip Protection Choice

$500,000/$1 million

We like Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan because it has superior travel medical expenses and evacuation benefits. It also provides great upgrade options and benefits across the board.

More: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person.
• Includes $20,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• Hurricane and weather coverage has a 48-hour delay, compared to some competitors that require only 12-hour delays.
• Average cost ($527) is only so-so compared to other top-rated policies we evaluated.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Trip Protection Choice policy.

• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $40,000 per person for qualifying common carrier events
• Change fee compensation of $300 per person if you have to change your flight or original travel arrangements due to qualifying events.
• Pet kennel benefits of $500 if your return home is delayed by six hours or more due to qualifying missed connection, interruption or delay problems.
• Frequent traveler coverage of $500 to pay for the cost to redeposit awards due to a trip cancellation caused by a reason listed in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Rental car damage coverage of $35,000.
• Sports & golf equipment rental coverage up to $5,000.
• Event ticket fee registration coverage of $15,000 if you can’t attend an event due to unforeseen reasons listed in trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Seven Corners has built a reputation for reliability and customer service. Their track record of handling claims efficiently and providing support to customers in need adds to their credibility. Their Choice plan offers primary coverage, meaning they will pay all claims as if they are the primary insurer, so your claims will be processed faster.

BEST FOR BAGGAGE

Axa assistance usa.

Platinum Plan

AXA’s Platinum plan is among our favorites because it hits all the high points for coverage that you’ll want if you’re looking for top-notch protection, including excellent baggage benefits of $3,000 per person. Excellent medical and non-medical evacuation benefits are another reason we like the Platinum plan.

More: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

• Generous medical and evacuation limits, plus $100,000 per person in non-medical evacuation—among the highest for plans we analyzed.
• Coverage for lost ski days, lost golf rounds and sports equipment rental.
• Travel delay and baggage coverage kicks in only after a 12-hour delay.
• The average cost for the Platinum plan is only so-so compared to other top-rated plans, although you do get robust coverage for the money.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Platinum policy.

• “Cancel for any reason” coverage
• Lost ski days
• Lost golf rounds

AXA Assistance USA impresses with its strong global reach and access to an extensive network of medical providers. This is particularly valuable in travel insurance, where emergencies can occur in any part of the world. Their attention to detail in crafting policies that include benefits for trip cancellations and interruptions adds a layer of security that reaffirms their strengths in protecting travelers against a wide array of potential issues.

– John Crist, founder of Prestizia Insurance

GREAT FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION COVERAGE

Generali global assistance.

Generali’s Premium policy stood out in our analysis for its generous window for pre-existing condition coverage. Travelers with pre-existing conditions can get coverage as long as you buy a Premium policy up to or within 24 hours of your final trip deposit. Competitors often have a deadline of 10 to 20 days after making your first trip deposit .

We also like the policy’s excellent trip interruption insurance and superior medical evacuation benefits of $1 million per person.

More: Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

• Excellent trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip costs.
• Very good baggage loss coverage at $2,000 per person.
• If you want “cancel for any reason” coverage you must buy it within 24 hours of making your initial trip deposit, compared to 10 to 20 days from top competitors.
• This plan’s “cancel for any reason” coverage will reimburse you for only 60% of lost trip costs; most competitors provide 75%.
• Baggage delay benefits kick in only after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Premium policy.

• Rental car coverage for theft and damage of $25,000.
• Sporting equipment coverage of $2,000.
• Sporting equipment delay coverage of $500.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that reimburses you 60% of your insured trip cost if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

Generali Global Assistance excels in providing user-friendly services and efficient claims processing, which enhances customer experience significantly. Their policies are particularly valuable due to the inclusion of concierge services, which can be a lifesaver during unforeseen travel disruptions.

– Pradeep Guragain, co-founder of Magical Nepal

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Travelex insurance services.

Travel Select

$50,000/$500,000

We recommend Travelex’s Travel Select plan for families because it provides coverage for children at no extra cost (when accompanied by an adult covered by the policy). Its average price is also among the lowest among the companies we evaluated, making it an option to take a look at

More: Travelex Travel Insurance Review

• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 5-hour delay.
• Medical coverage of $50,000 per person is on the low side, but you can buy an upgrade to double it.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay and has a low $200 per person limit.
• Missed connection benefits of $750 per person are lower than many other competitors.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Select policy.

• Sporting and golf equipment delay benefits of $200 after 24 hours or more.

Optional add-ons & upgrades offered:

• Medical coverage upgrade to $100,000 per person.
• Medical evacuation upgrade to $1 million per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% (up to max of $7,500).
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $200,000 per person for flights.
• Financial default coverage if your travel supplier goes out of business that provides 100% reimbursement of your insured trip cost.
• Car rental collision coverage of $35,000.
• Adventure sports upgrade to cover activities that would otherwise be excluded.

Travelex is a go-to for many of our clients due to its straightforward coverage options and ease of use. The company excels in offering plans that are simple to understand, which is great for first-time buyers of travel insurance. However, their basic plans might lack the depth of coverage seen with more premium offerings.

– Jim Campbell, independent travel agent and founder of Honeymoons.com

BEST FOR TRIP INTERRUPTION

Hth worldwide.

TripProtector Preferred Plan

We were impressed by TripProtector Preferred’s superior trip interruption benefits—200% of the trip cost. Most competitors provide 150%. Luxury-level benefits are another reason we recommend the TripProtector Preferred plan.

More: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

• Top-notch coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation.
• Coverage for adventure sports—such as zip-lining, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, and more—are included.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.
• Higher average price ($602) compared to most companies we evaluated, but you’re buying robust benefits.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the TripProtector Preferred policy.

• Pet medical expense coverage of $250 if your dog or cat traveling with you gets injured or sick during your trip.
• Rental car coverage of $35,000 for damage and theft.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available that provides 75% reimbursement of trip costs if you cancel at least two days prior to your scheduled departure.

My experience with HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance has been positive. While their policies may come at a slightly higher cost, the peace of mind and level of coverage they offer make it worth considering for travelers seeking comprehensive protection. HTH Worldwide stands out for its extensive coverage of medical emergencies, which is essential for international travel. Their policies are flexible, allowing travelers to customize coverage based on their specific requirements, and their worldwide assistance services ensure travelers have access to support wherever they are in the world.

– Kevin Mercier, travel expert and founder of Kevmrc.com

GREAT FOR CRUISE ITINERARY CHANGE/INCONVENIENCE

Cruise Choice

$100,000/$500,000

The Cruise Choice plan gets our attention for its compensation if you miss activities because your cruise ship changes its itinerary and for the inconvenience of delays to the next port of call. The Cruise Choice plan’s competitive price is another reason we recommend taking a look.

• Includes ”interruption for any reason” coverage of $500 if you buy policy within 14 days of trip deposit.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits.
• Provides benefits if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays arrival at the next port of call for two or more hours.
• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to many competitors with shorter required times.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage not available.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Choice policy.

• Shipboard service disruption of $200 per person if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays the next port of call for 2 or more hours or changes the scheduled itinerary.
• Coverage for an extended school year, terrorism in an itinerary city and work-related emergency issues.

Nationwide stands out primarily for its versatility in coverage options catering to diverse travel needs—a vital advantage often overlooked by travelers until they face a mishap. They have built a robust system for handling claims efficiently, which I find crucial for travel insurance, where timely support can dramatically impact the customer experience.

Source: Forbes Advisor Research. Average costs are based on various trip costs, ages and number of travelers.

The average cost of travel insurance is 6% of your trip cost , based on our analysis. The cost of travel insurance is usually mainly based on the age of travelers and the trip cost being insured.

Here’s a look at the average travel insurance cost for a 30-year-old woman traveling from California to Mexico for a 14-day trip.

What Affects Travel Insurance Costs?

Unlike many other types of insurance, there are usually only a few factors that go into travel insurance pricing.

Trip Cost Being Insured

The more trip costs you insure, the higher your travel insurance cost. Your trip cost includes any prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as airfare, hotel accommodations, tours, event tickets, excursions and theme park passes.

The traveler’s age is also taken into account in travel insurance pricing. That’s because older travelers tend to have a higher likelihood of filing medical claims.

The more protection you buy, the more you’ll pay. For instance, if you opt for a “cancel for any reason” upgrade and generous travel medical expense coverage, you’ll pay more.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies package together a number of valuable benefits. You can also buy policies that cover only trip cancellation or only medical expenses. With the wide variety of travel insurance plans available, you can find coverage levels that will fit your budget and trip needs. The core types of travel insurance include the following:

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance  reimburses you 100% for money you lose in prepaid, non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel for a reason listed in the policy. Common reasons include unexpected illness, injury and family member sickness. This is different from the “cancel for any reason” travel insurance upgrade.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, X-rays, lab work, medicine, doctor and hospital bills, and other medical expenses during your trip, up to policy limits. Accidents and health issues can arise unexpectedly, so this is important coverage for travelers going abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited global coverage or no coverage.

Case Study: Food Poisoning in London

I was excited to try a highly regarded restaurant while visiting London, but shortly after lunch, I experienced severe nausea and symptoms suggesting food poisoning. It got worse so quickly that I had to rush to the emergency room for medicine and IV fluids. Thankfully, my travel insurance came through. It covered 100% of the $822 in hospital charges and medication costs. The claim process was surprisingly smooth—I just submitted my records and receipts online. This experience made me realize just how essential travel insurance is!

– Katy D., New York

Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance pays up to the policy limits to get you to the nearest adequate medical facility. This can especially come in handy if you are in a remote location and need emergency transportation for medical care.

Travel Delay Insurance

Travel delay insurance compensates you for expenses for things like meals and lodging if you’re stuck somewhere due to a delay that’s covered by your travel insurance plan. Specified waiting period before benefits apply—for example, six or 12 hours—and also a per-day maximum limit and a total maximum per person.

Trip Interruption Insurance

If you have to cut your trip short because of a reason listed in the policy, trip interruption insurance reimburses you for the non-refundable parts of your trip that you miss. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home if you have an emergency.

Baggage Insurance

Baggage insurance reimburses you for lost, stolen or damaged belongings.  But note that reimbursement is for the depreciated value of your items, not the cost to buy new ones.

And baggage delay insurance lets you recoup expenses for necessities, such as clothes and toiletries, while you wait for your luggage. Policies usually require a certain time delay before baggage delay coverage kicks in, such as six hours.

“Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is optional coverage that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason that’s not listed in your base policy and be partially reimbursed for non-refundable trip costs.

You generally must cancel at least 48 hours before your departure time. Reimbursement under a CFAR claim is usually 75% or 50% of your trip costs. CFAR adds an average of about 50% to an insurance plan’s cost, but might be worth it if you want the most flexibility for trip cancellation.

“Interruption For Any Reason” Travel Insurance

“Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) travel insurance is an optional upgrade that permits you to cut short a trip for any reason and get up to 75%  reimbursement for the non-refundable money you lose. You usually must be at least 48 hours into your trip to file a claim. It typically adds 3% to 10% to your travel insurance cost.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is included in some policies. If an accident that’s covered by the policy kills or dismembers the policyholder during the trip, travel accident insurance pays out the specified amount.

It usually pays out a percentage of the maximum benefit, depending on the loss.

EXPERT TIPS

How to Buy Travel Insurance

Michelle Megna

Insurance Lead Editor

Insurance Managing Editor

Ashlee Valentine

Insurance Editor

Les Masterson

Begin Shopping Right After Your First Trip Deposit

It’s wise to buy travel insurance immediately after you make your first trip deposit. That way, you get the maximum length of time for cancellation coverage. Plus, you’ll qualify for time-sensitive benefits, such as CFAR and pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers

Start by Estimating the Non-Refundable Trip Cost

The non-refundable trip cost is the amount you want to insure for trip cancellation. If you’re unsure of what the total cost will be, estimate the amount and then update it later with the travel insurance company, as long as you do so before your departure date.

Buy Travel Medical Insurance for International Trips

If you’re traveling outside the U.S., make sure you buy a policy with ample travel medical and emergency medical evacuation insurance. It’s important because you may have little to no coverage under your U.S. health plan. Look for a policy where the medical insurance is primary, meaning the policy will pay out first, before any other health insurance you have.

Check for Delay and Missed Connection Coverage

If you’re flying to your destination, your itinerary could be derailed by weather, airplane mechanical issues or missed connections. If you’re worried about paying extra money due to a delay or missed connections, look for a policy that has a generous amount of travel and baggage delay coverage and missed connection insurance. You’ll also want to find a policy with a short waiting period for delay coverage, such as six hours.

Decide How Much Cancellation Flexibility You Want

If you have a lot of non-refundable expenses and can’t afford to lose your trip investment, consider buying a “cancel for any reason” upgrade. You never know what life will bring, and unfortunately it might bring a reason to cancel a trip that’s not covered by the base policy. Having CFAR coverage ensures you can get partial reimbursement for any oddball problems that crop up.

You likely don’t need travel insurance if:

• Your airfare and hotel costs are refundable.
• You can afford to lose the money you spent on non-refundable trip costs.
• You’re not traveling internationally.
• You’re not traveling to a remote area with limited healthcare facilities.
• Your destination is not prone to hurricanes and severe weather.
• You have a direct flight.
• You’re not worried about losing your trip investment if you need to cancel or cut a trip short.
• Your credit card travel insurance provides adequate coverage for your trip.

A new rule going into effect in October 2024 requires airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when their domestic flights are canceled or delayed by three hours or more. Given this, I think you may want to skip travel insurance if you have a direct flight within the U.S. and you don’t have large prepaid deposits on accommodations and tours.

– Michelle Megna, Lead Editor

Ask The Expert

We Answer Your Questions

Why do most travel insurance companies not include england as a choice for a quote.

– Susan G., Van Nuys, California

Many travel insurance companies do not list England as a destination choice in their online quote systems because they instead list the United Kingdom. That means you’ll have to scroll down the list of destinations to “United Kingdom” or type it into the search field.

Do I still need travel insurance if my airline is required to refund canceled flights?

– Anna P., Austin, Texas

Travel insurance still makes sense if you have a lot of non-refundable trip costs, such as excursions, accommodations and tours. It’s especially beneficial if you’re traveling internationally. It can help pay for medical expenses and evacuation if you get sick or injured during your trip.

Why do travel insurance companies need my state of residence when I get a quote?

– John T., Lewiston, Maine

Travel insurance regulations and laws vary by state, so insurers use that information to ensure the policy you buy is the one that’s approved in your state.

We researched and analyzed 42 policies to find the best travel insurance. When companies had more than one highly rated travel insurance policy we used the highest-scoring plan. Ratings are based on the following metrics.

Cost (25% of score): We analyzed the average cost for each travel insurance policy for trips to popular destinations:

• Couple, age 30 for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.
• Couple, age 40, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Family of four for an Italy trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a France trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a U.K. trip costing $15,000.
• Couple, age 65, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Couple, age 70, for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.

Missed connection coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies were awarded more points if they include missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more.

Medical expenses (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

Medical evacuation (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

“Cancel for any reason” upgrade (10%): Travel insurance policies received points if “cancel for any reason” upgrades are offered. More points were awarded for “cancel for any reason” upgrades with reimbursement levels of 75%.

Baggage delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with baggage delay benefits kicking in at 12 hours or less were given points.

Cancel for work reasons (5%): Travel insurance plans that allow cancellations for work reasons were awarded points.

Hurricane and weather (5%): Policies received points if the required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage was 12 hours or less.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade (5%): Policies were awarded points if they offered an “interruption for any reason” upgrade.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver (5%): Points were given to policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions (if purchased within a required timeframe after the first trip deposit).

Travel delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with travel delay benefits kicking in after six hours or less were given points.

Trip interruption travel insurance (5%): Points were given if trip interruption reimbursement is 150% or higher.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Travel Insurance Companies

Editor’s note: While our parent company has an interest in PrimeCover, this review was subjected to our team’s standard rigorous editorial process, which remains independent of any influence from insurance companies, business relationships, affiliates or any other external parties.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that reimburses you for money you lose from non-refundable deposits and payments when something goes wrong on your trip. These problems can range from lost baggage to flight delays to medical problems.

The more you’re spending on your trip, the more you likely need travel insurance. This is especially true for international trips and cruises, where travel problems become more expensive to solve.

What do I need for travel insurance?

The information you need to buy travel insurance includes the trip cost being insured, your age, your destination, length of trip and age. Buying travel insurance online is relatively easy. You don’t have to answer a lot of questions, and you can update your trip cost and itinerary later if plans change, as long as you do so before your departure.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

While standard travel insurance plans are meant to cover one-time trips, frequent travelers should consider an annual travel insurance plan. These plans cover the same issues as a single-trip plan, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical situations. But they also offer the convenience of a one-time purchase for multiple trips.

What type of travel insurance do I need for my parents visiting me in the U.S.?

Travel insurance for parents visiting the U.S. is generally a travel medical insurance policy that helps pay medical costs if they get sick or injured during their visit. There are two main types of visitors medical insurance:

• Limited policies that have fixed benefits: These generally set a cap for what they’ll pay for each medical treatment that’s covered. You may need to pay a deductible for each medical illness or injury and then the policy will pay 100% after that, up to the cap. For example, coverage for an X-ray might be capped at $250.
• Comprehensive visitors insurance policies: These typically cost more but have more robust coverage and don’t put a cap on specific medical problems.

What’s not covered by travel insurance?

Problems not covered by travel insurance tend to be similar among policies. We recommend that you read a policy’s exclusions so you’re not caught by surprise later if you try to make a claim. Typical exclusions include:

• Injuries from high-risk activities such as scuba diving.
• Problems that happen because you were drunk or using drugs.
• Medical tourism, such as going abroad for a face lift or other elective procedure.
• Lost or stolen cash.

Next Up In Travel Insurance

• Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance Of August 2024
• Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of August 2024
• Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
• Best Senior Travel Insurance Of 2024
• The 5 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Of August 2024
• Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the U.S.
• The Worst Cities For Summer Travel, Ranked

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.

Shayla Northcutt is the CEO and founder of Northcutt Travel Agency and a leading world travel expert. Her main expertise includes destination weddings, honeymoons, large group travel, family travel, world travel and travel insurance. Northcutt appears regularly on KHOU 11 and ABC 13 Eyewitness News, among other media outlets, providing guidance on travel insurance for consumers. Her first-hand knowledge of destinations and resorts makes her a leading travel professional. Northcutt is married to an amazing husband and is a mom to two boys, Cayman and Crockett. She found a passion in travel and exploration of all the things the world had to offer. Feeling such a strong connection to the travel industry, she decided to open Northcutt Travel Agency in 2017. Northcutt has visited different parts of Europe numerous times, and has visited over 350 resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean leading to detailed first-hand knowledge of the resorts. She has also sailed on multiple cruise lines, giving her experience with the cruise world as well. The other places Northcutt has visited, and now helps people plan, include Disney, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, Thailand and all major cruise lines.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel medical insurance

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

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

International travel insurance

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

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

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

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

Your own illness.

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

Natural disasters.

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

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

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

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

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

Baggage and personal belongings

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

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

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

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

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

24-hour assistance

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

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

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

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

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

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

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

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

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

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

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

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

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

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

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

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

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

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

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

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

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

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

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

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

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

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

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

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

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

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

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

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

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

Travel insurance comparison sites

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

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

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

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

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

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

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

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

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

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

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

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

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

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

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

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

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

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

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

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

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

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

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

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

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

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

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

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

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

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

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

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

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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

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

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

Keep reading

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

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

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

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

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

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

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

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

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn 3% cash back when you choose online shopping plus earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of August 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 1:56 p.m. UTC Aug. 7, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• PrimeCover : Best for trip interruption coverage.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

• 1,918 coverage details evaluated.
• 588 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best travel insurance companies

Best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

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

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits and for baggage damage or loss. This means the travel insurance company will pay your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party. Plans with secondary coverage may be cheaper, but for the amount of hassle you can save when filing a claim, I recommend looking for a plan with primary coverage.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

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

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

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

Heidi’s expert take:   “The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

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

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

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you want missed connections coverage for any trip, I recommend buying a plan like TravelSafe Classic. It offers up to $2,500 in missed connection coverage and doesn’t restrict this benefit to cruises and tours like many policies do.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

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

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best for trip interruption coverage

Why it’s the best

If you need to cut your trip short and head home early for a covered reason, PrimeCover Luxe has the best trip interruption coverage of all our top-rated plans. This top-tier travel insurance plan offers trip interruption coverage of up to 200% of your trip cost. You also have the option to add a rare “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage upgrade for even more flexibility with your travel plans.

• Trip interruption coverage of up to 200% of total trip cost.
• Excellent $1 million emergency medical evacuation and $100,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Pre-existing medical condition waiver available if you buy travel insurance within 21 days of first trip deposit.
• Good primary medical coverage of $250,000.
• Luxe plan is the most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.

There are no reviews online for PrimeCover yet as it is a relatively new product offering.

Heidi’s expert take: “PrimeCover Luxe is on the high end of cost in our rating, but it does offer robust coverage for the price. If you’re concerned about the money you’d lose if you had to end your trip early, it offers an “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage option, which I don’t see very often. With IFAR, you can pull the plug on your trip for any reason and seek up to 60% reimbursement for any prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses you’ll lose.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

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

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

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

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

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend looking for a plan that will cover them for free, like Travelex. The number of children you can add to a Travelex policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

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

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

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

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

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

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

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

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

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

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

  Heidi’s expert take: “Nationwide Choice Cruise has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance first. Since your health insurance won’t help you at sea, I recommend cruisers look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for cruises

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

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

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

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

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

Best travel insurance for seniors

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

How much is travel insurance?

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

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

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

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

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When should I buy travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

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

Travel insurance trends in 2024

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

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

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from June 22 to July 22, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,918 coverage details and 588 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

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

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

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

If you’d like to dig in deeper, head over to our travel insurance ratings methodology page.

Best travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor’s note: While our parent company has an interest in PrimeCover, this review was subjected to our team’s standard, rigorous editorial process, which remains independent of any influence from insurance companies, business relationships, affiliates or any other external parties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Costco Travel Insurance Review and Pricing (2024)

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Anna Douglas is a journalist and editor with over a decade of experience in newspapers and digital publishing.

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

The worldwide budget travel provider Costco Travel partners with the Zurich Insurance Group to offer budget travel insurance to its members. Costco Travel offers lower-cost insurance policies to protect nonrefundable trip costs, plus exclusive vacation offers. Costco members can purchase a travel insurance policy and access lower rates on their vacation if they book using Costco Travel.

While Costco only offers one policy option for international travel, this plan includes competitive travel and baggage benefits. After extensive industry research, the MarketWatch Guides team awarded Costco Travel Insurance 4.3 out of 5 stars. We especially recommend Costco to older adult travelers looking for lower-cost coverage.

• Average plan cost: $219
• Emergency medical coverage: $200,000
• Trip cancellation coverage: 100%
• CFAR coverage: 50%
• Offers an affordable insurance option, with lower pricing than the national average
• Policies include several benefits, ranging from airfare reimbursement to non-emergency medical evacuation
• Features advantageous pricing for older travelers
• Missed connections benefits go into effect after just three hours
• Has a highly rated underwriter with an A+ score from the financial credit rating agency AM Best
• Premium pricing is only available for Costco members who buy one of the company’s travel packages
• Only offers one travel package for international trips
• Limits its CFAR upgrade to a 50% reimbursement, lower than competitors offering 70% or more

Our Thoughts on Costco Travel Insurance 

Travel package shoppers who buy an insurance plan through Costco are eligible for a discounted policy issued and backed through the company’s partner, Zurich. While it only offers one plan choice for all international travelers, policy details are competitive with other industry providers we’ve reviewed.

Most travelers can access the International Travel Protection Plan, which extends coverage for travel expenses and medical emergency situations . It includes benefits for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), financial insolvency of the carrier and missed connections, which goes into effect after just a few hours. Pricing is set before asking for the traveler’s age — a benefit if you’re over 50 years old and worry your age may influence costs.

There are a few drawbacks to consider before selecting Costco as your travel insurance provider. First, you’ll only have one policy choice — leaving no flexibility to adjust costs by reducing coverages. To take advantage of the best pricing, you have to insure a Costco vacation offer, the cost of which can run upwards of $2,000 per traveler and requires a membership to purchase. Costco’s cancel for any reason (CFAR) benefits are also less comprehensive than competitors, with only up to 50% reimbursements compared to 70% or 80%. 

Pros and Cons

How costco travel insurance scored in our methodology.

Overall, our team gave Costco’s travel insurance plans a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars . While members may only qualify for low-price protection if they book their trip through Costco Travel, eligible customers can access travel insurance with high coverage caps at competitive prices.

Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines

Compare Costco Travel Insurance to the Competition

Comparing Costco’s travel insurance options to other companies can help you determine the best rate for the coverage you need. However, if you don’t have a Costco membership, you will have to find another provider to work with. Explore a few of our team’s top picks for travel insurance using the table below.

Costco vs. Nationwide

If you aren’t a Costco member but are looking for similar protections as those offered by the International Travel Protection Plan, consider Nationwide. Like Costco, Nationwide’s Single-Trip Prime plan includes benefits for baggage, medical considerations, emergency evacuations and baggage issues you might run into with an airfare provider. Plus, anyone can buy a plan, whether or not they have other Nationwide insurance products.

Nationwide can also offer a stronger choice for customers looking for more protection against travel interruptions. While Costco’s policy caps interruption benefits at 150%, Nationwide will reimburse up to 200% of eligible trip expenses. This insurance company also offers more generous CFAR reimbursements of up to 75% of travel expenses — 25% more than the available upgrade from Costco.

Read our team’s complete review of Nationwide travel insurance to learn more. 

Costco Travel Insurance vs. Tin Leg

Customers looking for additional coverage options and more affordable prices compared to Costco may consider Tin Leg Travel Insurance. While Costco only offers one international plan, Tin Leg provides seven policy options, with multiple coverage tiers allowing you to more easily personalize coverage. Its prices are also more affordable than Costco on average and you don’t need a membership to enroll.

Read our complete review of Tin Leg Travel Insurance to learn more. 

What Does Costco Travel Insurance Cover?

Costco travel insurance is not issued through the same retailer that maintains and provides Costco wholesale club locations. While Costco Travel sells travel insurance policies at an advantageous rate, the international insurance company Zurich Insurance Group services the plans. Zurich offers international travelers one policy option, which includes both medical and travel benefits.

Zurich offers one specialized travel insurance plan to Costco members who book their vacation through Costco Travel.

• International Travel Protection Plan: The only international coverage option issued for non-domestic travelers through Costco Travel. The plan offers standard trip insurance and more generous baggage benefits than many competitors. It also includes benefits for AD&D, service provider bankruptcy and emergency medical expenses.

You do not need to have a Costco membership to buy travel insurance through Zurich. However, standardized pricing only applies to Costco executive members who book their trip through the company’s travel branch and have a Costco Travel booking number. If you buy directly through Zurich to protect a trip other than a Costco vacation, different rates will apply.

The table below summarizes coverages found in the International Protection Plan.

Costco’s partnership with Zurich offers customers only one plan option. While our team found coverage pricing to be competitive with other service providers, you may prefer to compare pricing between providers with multiple plan options if you’re shopping on a budget.

Costco Optional Add-On Coverage

Costco travel insurance policies, administered by Zurich, also offer the following add-on options:

• CFAR coverage: Covers up to 50% of your total travel expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, as long as you purchased insurance within 21 days of your initial trip payment. You must also be within 60 days of international travel to qualify for this coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions waiver : This coverage extends your plan’s medical expense benefits to include conditions you showed symptoms of before planning your trip. You must be within 21 days of your initial trip payment to qualify.
• Rental car coverage: Adds $50,000 worth of collision coverage to rental cars you use abroad. This add-on is not available in Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

How Much Does Costco Travel Insurance Cost?

The International Travel Protection Plan is the only coverage option available at a discounted rate with a Costco travel offer. In our review, we found the average price of a travel insurance coverage plan through Costco is $219 . This is around the same cost of an average travel insurance policy ($221) our team found in our review of dozens of providers. The specific cost of your travel insurance policy will vary primarily depending on your trip value, number of travelers in your group and date of your initial trip payment. The table below summarizes sample pricing our team found when we requested pricing for sample trips with Costco.

Note: We collected the above quotes in 2024 directly through the policy provider ’s website for sample travelers living in Alabama. 

Does Costco Travel Insurance Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

Yes, Costco travel insurance policies include access to its 24/7 travel assistance line, which can provide concierge services and assistance when booking emergency services. Some common uses of this coverage include replacing prescriptions, arranging emergency evacuation services, and connecting with local medical and evacuation service providers on your behalf.

How To Buy a Travel Policy From Costco

To purchase a travel insurance policy through Costco, start by visiting Costco Travel’s website and entering your trip details. You’ll need to have your trip itinerary, travel dates and budget per traveler available to claim a quote. Notably, when you purchase travel insurance through Costco, you don’t need to input your age — a potential benefit for older travelers.

After entering your trip information, you get redirected to Costco’s partner company, Zurich Insurance Group, the servicing company offering international travel insurance plans. In most instances, you’ll have access to only one plan, no matter if you’re traveling internationally or domestically. For international travelers, the International Travel Protection plan is the only offering. You can explore specific coverages and view a sample contract directly before purchase, making it easy to compare additional plans.

After exploring a sample contract, you can finalize your purchase through Zurich. You’ll need to have your Costco policy travel number handy when finalizing your policy pricing — so you can’t lock in coverage until you’ve settled on a travel offer. Overall, our team found the process of buying a travel insurance policy easy and straightforward, especially if you already have a Costco vacation planned.

Costco Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are an important consideration when selecting any travel insurance policy. Our team looked at what previous policyholders had to say about their travel insurance experience with Costco and identified common likes and dislikes. Since Costco offers travel insurance through a partnership with Zurich, we referenced Zurich’s BBB and Trustpilot profiles for insights. 

What Customers Like

• Helpful customer service agents: Most positive reviews of Zurich’s insurance products relate to its customer service representatives , whom policyholders said were eager and able to help.
• Comprehensive cruise benefits: Multiple customers praised the company’s cruise line assistance and claims process, which customers say was easy to use in accident-related cancellations. 
• Prompt payments: Another common compliment among BBB customers is quick reimbursements — a benefit after an expensive cancellation or trip interruption.

What Customers Don’t Like

• Long hold times: Multiple BBB customers expressed frustration with waiting times when connecting with customer service, with some travelers being left on hold for more than 20 minutes. Customers who submitted messages via email also faced long wait times.
• Denied claims: From airport cancellations to rental car insurance claims , multiple customers reported that their claim was denied by Zurich.
• Poor claims settlements: For customers who were able to submit a successful claim, payouts were often less than expected. This made some travelers question the value of their coverage.

We reached out to Costco for comment on its lower ratings and negative customer reviews in relation to its partnership with Zurich but did not receive a response.

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim With Costco

Costco travel insurance, administered through Zurich, offers two methods customers can use to file a travel insurance claim. We’ve summarized each method below.

• Phone: To begin a claim by phone, call 844-799-0331 if you’re located in the U.S. or Canada. Call 416-945-9802 if you’re abroad when you need to file.
• Online filing: Zurich also allows you to file a claim online . For a speedier process, have details of your claim handy when you file.

According to customers who have filed a claim with Costco’s travel partner, Zurich, it is sometimes difficult to get claims approved. Multiple customer reviews indicate denied travel insurance claims or being asked for multiple rounds of documentation for expenses. Of customers who had a claim approved, some reported getting only a small percentage of eligible expenses reimbursed.

Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It?

Costco’s option for travel insurance is comprehensive and affordable, offering more convenient benefits for members. For example, in addition to its standard trip cancellation and interruption benefits, Costco’s partner Zurich allows you to begin using benefits such as baggage delay and missed connections funds in as little as three hours. Policies are also convenient, providing an all-in-one choice for medical, flight, baggage and evacuation benefits.

There are a few notable drawbacks to consider before investing in a Costco travel insurance plan. While anyone can purchase insurance through Zurich, only Costco members can access its travel benefits and discounted pricing. Costco also limits its plan offerings to a single coverage choice, which may not benefit travelers looking for more coverage variety. Still, for the benefits provided, Costco offers an affordable and inclusive choice for travel insurance for its members.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Travel Insurance

How much does costco travel insurance cost.

In our review, we found a week-long trip insured by Costco will cost $219. This is around the average when compared to other travel insurance company options.

How can you buy Costco travel insurance?

Travel insurance policies, administered by Zurich Insurance Group, are available after purchasing one of Costco’s vacation packages and receiving a traveler number. While you can buy a plan directly through Zurich, you may not have access to Costco’s lower rates unless you hold a membership.

Can I purchase the International Travel Protection Plan for a vacation to Hawaii?

No, Costco’s international travel insurance is only available to American residents traveling outside of the country.

What travel insurance carrier does Costco use?

Zurich Insurance Group issues Costco’s travel insurance policies, which holds an A+ rating from AM Best for financial stability.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

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

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

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

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

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