Travel insurance is an important product to consider when booking a trip, especially if it's a pricy one or you believe there's a chance it could be canceled. If you're like the 40% of people who told Nationwide Travel Insurance they plan to travel more in 2024 than in 2023, then travel insurance could be key to making those plans a reality.
Our list of top travel insurance companies can help you choose the right provider, but you should also do your research to make sure the policy covers your particular trip. And if general travel insurance isn't enough, you may be able to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance to your policy to ensure an unexpected situation comes up, like a last-minute work or family obligation, or safety concern.
Best Travel Insurance Companies for April 2024
- Best Overall: Travelex
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
- Best Value: InsureMyTrip
- Most Comprehensive Coverage: World Nomads
- Best for Older Adults: HTH Travel Insurance
- Best for Cruises: Nationwide
- Best for Medical Coverage: GeoBlue
Best Overall : Travelex
- Number of Policy Types: 3
- Coverage Limit: Up to 100% up to $50,000 for cancellations
- Starting Price: $24
Travelex offers coverage (up to 150% for interruptions) for you or your family members at a competitive price—and kids are included at no extra charge. A relatively low price for the high levels of coverage made it our top choice. Look for the Travel Select plan for the best coverage.
- Competitive pricing for comprehensive coverage
- Multiple plan options with customizable features
- Children younger than 21 covered at no extra cost
- Mixed pre-existing medical condition coverage depending on the policy purchase date
- No annual plan available
- Basic coverage plan features minimal coverage
Travelex Insurance Services is a well-known travel insurance provider based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1996, Travelex offers several insurance packages depending on the coverage you need for your trip. Policies are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, which earns an A++ rating from AM Best and AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. Coverage is available to customers worldwide.
The Travel Select plan starts at about $36 and includes trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption, and emergency medical and evacuation, but there also are several ways to customize and upgrade coverage.Travel is covered up to 100% up to $50,000 for cancellations. You can receive up to 150% of the trip cost, up to $75,000, for trip interruptions. Emergency medical limits are $50,000, and emergency evacuation coverage is good for up to $500,000.
In addition, Travel Select has a 15-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. If you purchase your policy within 15 days of paying for your trip and insure the full cost of the trip, your pre-existing injury or illness is likely covered.
Runner-Up, Best Overall : Allianz Travel Insurance
- Number of Policy Types: 10
- Coverage Limit: Up to $10,000 per insured, per year for trip cancellation
- Starting Price: $138
Allianz gets the runner-up spot because it offers coverage for frequent travelers with a low cost per trip. Get the best coverage from the AllTrips Executive Plan. Individual trip coverage is also available.
- Annual- or single-trip plans are available
- Many policy types fit varying needs
- Cover yourself and your household all year even if you’re not traveling together
- Does not cover extended travel periods
- Some annual plans have per-trip limits while others have annual limits
- Limit for emergency medical transportation coverage is only $250,000
Allianz Travel is a subsidiary of Allianz, which traces its history back to 1890 in Germany. Travel policies are underwritten by insurers with AM Best ratings of A to A+ and are available only to legal U.S. residents.
Travelers who want to hit the road many times per year should consider annual travel insurance rather than individual per-trip policies. Allianz Travel offers four different annual plans with varying benefit levels. We particularly like its AllTrips Executive Plan, which has the highest limits and coverage.The AllTrips Executive Plan provides tiered limits starting at $5,000 for trip cancellation insurance or interruption coverage. It also offers $50,000 for emergency medical and $250,000 for emergency transportation per insured per trip. There is a lengthy list of exclusions, including extreme sports, so make sure to read the fine print before jumping into adventure activities.
Quotes for a single traveler, a couple, and a family of four had a price point of $500 per traveler per year. If you pay for comprehensive coverage at $120 per person per trip and are going to travel at least five times per year, you will break even with this plan. If you’re looking for lower costs, the AllTrips Basic, Premier, and Prime options are also available from Allianz.Best Value : InsureMyTrip
- Number of Policy Types: Multiple options from over 20 providers
- Coverage Limit: Varies
- Starting Price: $25 to $100
Compare policies from more than 20 different travel insurance providers with one form so you know you’re getting a good deal for the coverage you need. You can find low-cost trip coverage or customize a plan to meet your needs so you don’t overpay for coverage you won’t use.
- Search for quotes from multiple reputable insurers
- Shop around with one application for multiple trip types
- View multiple plans from eligible insurers for your planned trip
- Many popular insurers are not included in listings
- Initial listing pages don’t show policy limits
- Includes some policies with low coverage limits
Founded in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a travel insurance comparison website that searches from more than 20 insurers using one intake form. It offers an easy-to-use sign-up tool to quickly compare multiple policies based on your specific needs. Filters are available to pick policies that cover adventure sports, higher limits, increased medical coverage, and more.
A quote for a family of four taking a 14-day trip that costs $4,000 and includes plane and hotel expenses resulted in three suggested plans with costs of around $100 to around $400 for varying levels of travel protection. Basic features included luggage coverage, travel delay, and medical care. Note that rates will differ based on where customers are originating from and where they are vacationing, as well as other variables. The insurers you'll find while using InsureMyTrip have earned a variety of industry ratings and are generally considered reputable and financially stable. Still, as with policies bought directly from insurers, it’s a good idea to read the policy details before clicking the buy button. Each underlying insurer has different claims processes, exclusions, and limits. InsureMyTrip makes it easier, however, to be an informed travel insurance buyer.Most Comprehensive Coverage : World Nomads
- Number of Policy Types: 2
- Coverage Limit: Up to $10,000 for trip cancellation
- Starting Price: $100 to $200
Adventure travelers and digital nomads receive good trip protection from this plan, which offers coverage of up to $100,000 for accidents for some of the most extreme adventures.
- Extensive coverage with high limits for medical and emergency evacuation
- Protects your bags, computers, and sports equipment when traveling
- Explorer plan covers adventure sports
- Only single-trip plans are available
- Most pre-existing medical conditions are not covered
- Not all policies cover adventure sports
World Nomads is a good insurer for those looking for adventure. The Australia-based provider was founded in 2000 and is a solid choice for worldwide travel with few excluded activities. Policies are underwritten by various insurers including the financially strong and well-known Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Generali Global, AIG, and Lloyd’s.
Coverage includes terrorist attacks, assault, medical repatriation, equipment and baggage, and overseas medical and dental. The high-end Explorer Plan covers activities including snow sports, water sports, aviation, motorsports, athletics, and high-adventure experiences. It names more than 200 activities, many of which other insurers specifically exclude.
For the Explorer Plan, a solo 35-year-old would pay around $200, depending on inputs like state of origin, for a month in Thailand, which is reasonable for such extensive coverage. The Standard Plan costs around $100 for the same trip, but it makes sense to choose higher coverage levels if you’re worried about something going wrong.This U.S.-based policy is underwritten by Nationwide (rated A by AM Best) with a $100,000 limit for emergency accidents and illnesses, $500,000 for emergency evacuation, $10,000 for trip cancellation insurance (or interruption), and much more.
Though it doesn’t have the same insurance reputation as some other providers, it works with reputable companies to underwrite policies.Best for Older Adults : HTH Travel Insurance
- Number of Policy Types: 5
- Coverage Limit: Up to $50,000 for trip cancellation
- Starting Price: Varies
Medical coverage may be important to older adults who need excellent travel protection with flexible options while on a budget. This is where HTH Worldwide stands out. Older adults can get high levels of medical coverage.
- High levels of medical coverage for adults up to 95 years old
- Up to a $1,500 allowance for someone to visit you in the hospital
- May be expensive depending on your needs
- Best plan for older adults requires existing health insurance
- Lowest policy has a $50,000 maximum benefit per person
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, HTH Worldwide was founded in 1997, and HTH Travel Insurance offers plans with high levels of medical coverage. That’s a big concern for older adults leaving the country, as they could end up in a doctor’s office or hospital with an expensive bill to follow. HTH Travel Insurance offers up to $1 million in total coverage for medical.
Policies for travelers with existing primary insurance enjoy 100% coverage for typical hospital charges, including surgery, tests, office visits, inpatient hospital stays, and prescription drugs outside of the U.S., among other coverage. Medical evacuation is available up to $500,000, but trip interruption and baggage coverage are pretty light. Most people will choose this plan for medical rather than travel benefits. This policy is available to applicants who are 95 years old or younger.Travel insurance is also available for people without existing health coverage. Most older adults in the U.S. are covered by some existing coverage, such as Medicare, but Medicare doesn’t work outside of the United States, leaving people uninsured when abroad. HTH Travel Insurance provides policies for those without existing medical coverage. The age limit is 95, but there is a 180-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion.
Best for Cruises : Nationwide
- Number of Policy Types: 8
- Coverage Limit: Up to $30,000 for trip cancellation
- Starting Price: $100
Multiple options protect your cruise vacation with tailored coverage for common cruise trip issues. This makes Nationwide a good pick for those who take to the high seas for their vacations. Make sure to review the benefit levels so you pick the right coverage for your needs.
- Large insurer with a strong reputation
- Three different cruise insurance plans to choose from
- Coverage for common cruise issues like missed connections and itinerary changes
- Some plans have low coverage levels for some incidents
- Benefit limits are low for trip interruption for any reason
- Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered
Nationwide has been around since 1925. The Columbus, Ohio-based insurance company offers the most popular types of insurance including auto, home, and life. It also offers a few types of travel insurance coverage for individual trips, multi-trips, and cruises.
For single trip protection, Nationwide offers trip cancellation insurance of up to $10,000 with its Essentials plan and $30,000 with its Prime plan. Travelers may also get an annual travel insurance package for just $59 a year to cover delays, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost luggage, and travel assistance.
Its custom-tailored plans for cruises, however, are what landed it in this category. The Universal Cruise plan, Choice Cruise plan, and Luxury Cruise plan make it easy to pick the right coverage for your individual needs. The cost for a couple on a 10-day cruise to Mexico, for example, was quoted at around $200 for both the Universal and Choice plans.Cruise insurance from Nationwide covers what you worry about most with a cruise. Things like broken-down ships and itinerary changes can lead to missed excursions and flights or other costs. For the Universal Cruise plan, emergency medical expenses are covered up to $75,000 with medical evacuation benefits up to $250,000.
Additionally, all plans include coverage for the weather, an extension of school sessions, work emergencies, and terrorism. The luxury plan also covers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warnings in effect at your destination.
Travelers in 2024 have concerns over trip cancelations due to unprecedented events. Nationwide's survey showed that 51% are still worried about a resurgence of COVID-19, while 54% worry about weather-related delays or cancellations. Other worries include technology issues (38%), unruly fellow travelers (37%), and employee strikes (25%). Travel insurance can help alleviate some stress about a trip being canceled.
Best for Medical Coverage : GeoBlue
- Number of Policy Types: 8
- Coverage Limit: Varies
- Starting Price: Varies
GeoBlue offers multiple options to buy travel medical insurance coverage for a lower price than a full travel insurance package. It offers medical coverage on its own if you don’t want or need additional travel coverage.
- Up to $1 million in medical coverage
- Gives a la carte medical coverage when other trip costs are already covered
- Different policies allow you to cover various needs and pre-existing medical conditions
- Primarily covers medical costs
- Additional primary medical coverage required
GeoBlue, headquartered in Pennsylvania, is part of Worldwide Insurance Services, and policies come with a license from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Policies are issued by 4 Ever Life International Limited, a company with a history of more than 60 years and an A rating (Excellent) from AM Best.
If you just need coverage for medical needs, GeoBlue is a good choice. This insurer offers only travel medical coverage. Paying for medical coverage means you aren't paying for the rest of your travel insurance, which you already may have covered. If you already have a credit card with travel insurance included, your card's terms likely protect things like lost luggage and missed flights, for example. Instead, you get covered just for medical, and the costs for that are as low as a few dollars per day. Because you’re mostly getting travel medical coverage, you will pay a lot less than most other insurers on this list. Just make sure you completely understand what it does and doesn't cover. You will receive only minimal luggage protection and travel interruption coverage with GeoBlue's plans.GeoBlue has two general plans for single trips, multiple trips, and long-term travel. Additionally, there are five specialty policies for niche travel medical insurance needs, like study abroad. It doesn’t cover everything related to your trip, but it makes medical coverage much more affordable.
The Bottom Line
Travelex is the best travel insurance company because it offers competitive pricing for comprehensive travel insurance. Policies from Travelex cover everything from canceled or interrupted trips to medical emergencies and evacuations. It also features a 15-day pre-existing medical conditions waiver, which means that as long as you book your trip several weeks in advance, you and your family members will likely still be covered.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to travel insurance. It can provide you with peace of mind and save you thousands of dollars if your travel plans are canceled or interrupted at the last minute. With world events like pandemics, natural disasters, and wars that could easily throw an unexpected wrench in your travel plans, travel insurance helps you to stay prepared. Overall, our top choice for travel insurance is Travelex.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Recommendations for the Best Travel Insurance
Investopedia collected several key data points from over 30 travel insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a travel insurance company for their trips. We used this data to review each company for cost, coverage limits, exclusions, customer service, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best travel insurance companies since 2020.Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies
Company | Starting Price | Policy Types | Coverage Limit for Trip Cancellation | States Available |
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Best Overall | $24 | 3 | Up to $50,000 | 50 |
Runner-Up, Best Overall | $138 | 10 | Up to $10,000 per insured | 50 |
Best Value | $25 to $100 | Over 20 | Varies | 50 |
Most Comprehensive Coverage | $100 to $200 | 2 | Up to $10,000 | 50 |
Best for Older Adults | Varies | 5 | Up to $50,000 | 50 |
Best for Cruises | $100 | 8 | Up to $30,000 | 50 |
Best for Medical Coverage | Varies | 8 | Varies | 50 |
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance covers common problems when traveling. From trip interruptions to full cancellations, it can help protect the money you put down for your travel experience. Common coverage includes more than just an unexpected trip stoppage. It can also cover lost or damaged luggage and changes to your itinerary for covered reasons, among other benefits. Medical coverage is an important factor to consider because your current health insurance may not work away from home. The best travel insurance includes coverage for medical treatment, dental emergencies, and medical transportation. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are at risk, it’s important to make sure your policy covers these, too.Tips for Picking the Best Travel Insurance for You
When picking the best travel insurance policy, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some tips and factors to think about:- Look for low pricing and good coverage: Pricing is one of the most significant factors when comparing travel insurance policies. Look for a provider that offers low rates and doesn’t skimp on coverage.
- Don't settle for the first policy type: Depending on where you’re traveling and how long you’re staying there, different types of travel insurance policies may work best for your situation. For instance, you may need a different policy for a weeklong trip than you would if you plan to travel abroad for several months.
- Match your coverage limits to your travel costs: Travel insurance plans have coverage limits for trip cancellation, interruption, and medical expenses. Look for a plan whose coverage limit matches the amount you’ve spent on your travel plans.
- Don't forget to look at the exclusions: Some travel insurance plans come with exclusions. If you’re worried about a particular event or accident, make sure it’s covered before you pay for a plan.
- Look for high customer satisfaction ratings: Customer satisfaction is also an important factor when purchasing a travel insurance plan. Look for a provider with high customer satisfaction ratings and a history of good customer service.
How to Get Travel Insurance
- Select a travel insurance company.
- Apply for the travel insurance plan of choice on the company's website or over the phone.
- Provide basic info about who is traveling and travel plans, like name, age, location of trip, and travel expenses and costs like hotels or airfare.
- Wait to be approved.
- Create an online account for easy access while you travel. Some companies may have an app, too.
- Enjoy your trip, and file a claim online or over the phone if needed.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance may include many different benefits. Here’s a look at some common situations covered by many travel insurance plans:- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Trip delay
- Missed connection
- Baggage and possession loss, damage, and theft
- Delayed luggage
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
Note
Emergency medical treatment may include things like ambulance services, x-rays, doctor bills, dental work, lab work, and more. It'll depend on the travel insurance company, so be sure to ask before paying for the insurance and/or additional benefits.
There are additional specialty coverages as well, such as customized policies for cruises. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare before making a final decision.
What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?
Just as homeowners insurance often excludes damage from things like earthquakes and floods, travel insurance has common exclusions you need to know about. Here are some types of coverage you may not get with travel insurance:- Weather-related cancellations and delays
- Trip cancellations or changes due to acts of terrorism
- Trip cancellations or changes due to a pandemic
- Injuries from extreme sports and high-adventure activities
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance costs vary widely by coverage and insurer. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars a day to more than $10 a day for short-term and single-trip coverage. The cost of your trip is another major factor in the insurance rate.
That means insurance for a single trip could cost anywhere from around $20 to hundreds of dollars. Annual policies cost around $500 per year for high levels of coverage.
There are many inexpensive travel insurance plans available, but most travelers are best protected with comprehensive coverage. It costs a bit more, but if you need to file a claim, you’ll be glad you have it.
Is Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?
If you pay a lot for a trip or vacation, then travel insurance should be worth the cost because you don't want to lose out on that investment. It won't always be necessary, but if travel insurance costs just a fraction of what you paid for the trip, then you'll be happy you had it if you have to cancel a trip worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, if you book a European vacation worth $4,000 and your travel insurance costs just $400, it might be worth it so that if anything happens and you need to cancel, you still get $3,600 back in your pocket.How Does Travel Insurance Work When You Cancel Your Trip?
When canceling your trip, you'll want to contact the travel insurance company right away. The policy and travel insurance company you selected will cover certain parts of your trip. It's important to review this policy and details to understand exactly what you need to do to get your money back for your trip.Important
Before you submit a claim and cancel your trip, consider if you can delay it and reschedule it instead. If you can't, then make sure you have all the required documents (receipts, proof of hotel booking, airline ticket confirmation, etc.). Once you submit your claim, it could take days (Allianz says up to 10 business days, sometimes) for you to receive notice that the claim was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In Which Countries Is Travel Insurance Required?
Travel insurance is not mandatory or required by all countries, but some do. For example, Cuba requires pU.eople traveling from the U.S. to Cuba to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which may be covered through travel insurance or an airline. Other countries that may require or strongly encourage travel insurance include Antarctica, Egypt, Chile, Turkey, and more. Check a country's specific travel requirements before booking your trip to understand if travel insurance is required.
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Does Travel Insurance Really Pay?
Travel insurance might not be worth the cost for lower-cost trips and low-risk vacations. However, expensive international trips or large family vacations can make additional travel insurance a reasonable investment.
If you spend thousands of dollars on a trip, it is probably worth spending a couple of hundred more to make sure you get your money back if the trip doesn’t go as planned. If something goes wrong, which can lead to expenses valued at tens of thousands of dollars, it’s good to have a financial backstop so you don’t have to pay for everything out of pocket.That said, you should check to see what coverage is already available to you through other venues. For instance, many credit cards cover the cost of lost or delayed luggage if you purchase your airfare using that card. Your primary health insurance may cover your medical insurance needs, especially for domestic travel. -
Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Cruise?
Just as with any kind of trip, whether you need cruise insurance largely depends on the cost of the trip, and where you're going. If you're paying more than $1,000 for a cruise, travel insurance is probably worth it. For instance, you may want international medical insurance if you're traveling to other countries because some health insurance policies do not cover international travel—Medicare and Medicaid in particular.Just be aware that if you buy cruise insurance (as opposed to a general travel insurance policy), it may not cover travel before and after the cruise, such as your flight to the port and any hotel expenses you may have pre- or post-trip. -
Does State Farm Offer Travel Insurance?
State Farm does not offer travel insurance. State Farm offers car insurance, motorcycle insurance, boat insurance, motorhome insurance, off-road vehicle insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, condo insurance, life insurance, liability insurance, small business insurance, and more.
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Can You Buy Travel Insurance After Booking a Flight?
Yes, you can book travel insurance after booking a flight. This may be a great time to book travel insurance because you'll know what coverage you need in case something happens and your trip is canceled. Signing up for travel insurance as soon as possible will always be your best bet.
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Which Travel Insurance Is Best?
The best travel insurance company is Travelex because it offers comprehensive coverage at a relatively low price. Travelex has multiple plan options and family members younger than 21 are covered at no extra cost. Another perk is Travelex's Travel Select plan which has a 15-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. If you purchase your policy within 15 days of paying for your trip and insure the full cost of your trip, your pre-existing injury or illness is likely covered.
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Does Travel Insurance Cover Canceled Flights?
Most travel insurance covers canceled flights, as well as delayed flights. If your flight is delayed by a certain number of hours, your travel insurance may reimburse you for the additional money you spent as a result of that delay or cancelation.
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What Is the Best Rate for Travel Insurance?
The best rate for travel insurance will be whatever it costs for comprehensive coverage for your trip. While you can get travel insurance that costs just $10 per day, it may not come with the coverage you need for your trip—especially if it's an expensive trip or if you're worried it could be canceled or interrupted.
How We Found the Best Travel Insurance Companies
To come up with this list of the top travel insurance providers, we looked at more than 30 different travel insurance companies and plans. Major areas of focus included coverage options, claim and policy limits, what’s covered, and typical insurance policy costs. The biggest focus was on insurance coverage limits and what each policy covers. Cost is important, but a difference of $20 for much better coverage is often negligible. The most important features examined in this review are the ones that make your policy valuable and easy to use if you ever need it.Your Guide to Travel Insurance
- What Is Travel Insurance?
- Do I Need Travel Insurance?
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
- How to Get the Cheapest Travel Insurance
- Best Travel Insurance Options for Older Adults
- Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance
- How Much Is Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?
- How to Buy Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance