We evaluated 39 policies and found that Travel Insured International, WorldTrips and Travel Safe are among the best travel insurance companies. We evaluated costs and a variety of coverage features to find the best options. See all our top picks.
Considering Travel Insurance?
Via Forbes Advisor's Website
- Summary: Best Travel Insurance Companies
- Best for Travel Medical Coverage
- Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Best for Travel Delays
- Best for Baggage Delays
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
- What’s Not Covered by Travel Insurance?
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
- What Affects Travel Insurance Costs?
- How to Get Travel Insurance
- Do I Need Travel Insurance?
- How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy
- Top Travel Destinations in April 2024
- Where Are People Headed This Month?
- List of January 2024 Top Travel Destinations
- Methodology
- Other Travel Insurance Policies We Rated
- Best Travel Insurance Companies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Summary: Best Travel Insurance Companies
Our Picks For The Best Travel Insurance Companies
Best for Travel Medical Coverage
These policies offer the highest level of medical coverage among the plans that we judged to be the best.
Company | Policy name | Medical coverage included |
---|---|---|
HTH Travel Insurance
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TripProtector Preferred
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$500,000 per person |
Seven Corners
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Trip Protection Choice
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$500,000 per person |
USI Affinity
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Diamond
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$500,000 per person |
Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage
These policies offer the highest level of emergency medical coverage among the plans in our top picks.
Company | Policy name | Medical evacuation coverage included |
---|---|---|
AIG
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Travel Guard Deluxe
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$1,000,000 per person
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AXA Assistance USA
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Platinum
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$1,000,000 per person
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Generali Global Assistance
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Premium
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$1,000,000 per person
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HTH Travel Insurance
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TripProtector Preferred
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$1,000,000 per person
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Nationwide
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Cruise Luxury
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$1,000,000 per person
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Seven Corners
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Trip Protection Choice
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$1,000,000 per person
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Travel Insured International
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Worldwide Trip Protector
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$1,000,000 per person
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TravelSafe
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Classic Plus
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$1,000,000 per person
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Trawick International
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Safe Travels First Class
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$1,000,000 per person
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USI Affinity
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Diamond
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$1,000,000 per person
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WorldTrips
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Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier
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$1,000,000 per person
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Best for Travel Delays
These policies offer the highest maximum coverage limits for travel delays among the plans that we judged to be the best.
Company | Policy name | Travel delay coverage included |
---|---|---|
TravelSafe
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Classic Plus
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$2,000 per person |
Seven Corners
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Trip Protection Choice
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$2,000 per person |
Travelex
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Travel Select
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$2,000 per person |
HTH Travel Insurance
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TripProtector Preferred
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$2,000 per person |
WorldTrips
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Atlas Journey Premier and Atlas Journey Preferred
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$2,000 per person |
Best for Baggage Delays
Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury policy offers the highest maximum coverage for delayed baggage among the plans that were our top picks.
Company | Policy name | Baggage delay coverage included |
---|---|---|
Nationwide
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Cruise Luxury
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$1,000 per person |
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
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.
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.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage
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. Also, you may have to first make a claim on home or renters insurance.
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” Coverage
“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” Coverage
“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.
Travel Accident 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.
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.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
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.
Trip cost | Average travel insurance cost | Travel insurance cost as % of insured trip cost |
---|---|---|
$1,000
|
$61
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6%
|
$2,500
|
$120
|
5%
|
$5,000
|
$228
|
5%
|
$10,000
|
$512
|
5%
|
$20,000
|
$1,204
|
6%
|
$30,000
|
$1,848
|
6%
|
$50,000
|
$3,091
|
6%
|
Compare & Buy Travel Insurance
What Affects Travel Insurance Costs?
Unlike many other types of insurance, there are usually only a few factors that go into travel insurance pricing.
How to Get Travel Insurance
You can buy travel insurance from a travel agent, website or a travel supplier like an airline or cruise company. We’ve bought travel insurance online and it’s relatively easy. In our experience you can purchase a policy online within a few minutes.
Start by estimating your non-refundable trip cost
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If you’re unsure of your trip cost, estimate the amount and then update it later with the travel insurance company, as long as it’s before your departure date.
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Get quotes online or through a travel insurance agent
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To get a quote, you typically need the travelers’ ages (or date of birth), destination and travel dates, and the trip cost being insured.
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Assess policy options and prices
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You’ll usually be presented with a selection of policies at different price points, with the more expensive ones usually providing higher coverage levels. Compare the coverage amounts for each line item. Once you select a policy, you can buy it online.
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Review the policy
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You usually have two weeks or so to review the policy. If you change your mind, you can get a refund, as long as it’s during the specified review period.
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Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Here are some reasons you may need travel insurance.
You’re Traveling Overseas and Your Health Plan Doesn’t Have Global Coverage
Many health plans lack robust global coverage, or impose high out-of-network deductibles for care outside the U.S. We suggest that you check your health plan details to see what it provides outside the U.S. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.
You’re Going to a Remote Area or Out to Sea
If you won’t be near any quality medical facilities, even a small injury could turn into a major medical event. Medical evacuation coverage will pay to medevac you to an adequate facility.
You’re Traveling to a Hurricane-Prone Destination
If you’re concerned about hurricanes or other severe weather affecting your travel plans, you’ll want to make sure to buy a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance for hurricanes and other weather events.
If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to severe weather, you can file a claim and be reimbursed 100% for prepaid, non-refundable deposits.
To be eligible to file a travel insurance claim because of a storm, you must have bought your policy before the storm was named. Also, generally one of the following requirements must be met:
- Your destination is under a hurricane warning.
- Your destination is uninhabitable due to severe weather.
- Your (common carrier) airline is delayed for a specified amount of time listed in your policy—for example, six hours.
You Want Emergency Backup
The 24/7 travel assistance lines that are included with travel insurance can assist you with finding a pharmacy, language translation, replacing a lost passport and much more.
You Will Lose a Lot of Money in Non-Refundable Deposits if You Cancel the Trip
You want trip cancellation coverage you’re worried about the money you will lose if you have to cancel the trip.
Trip cancellation will cover 100% of the prepaid money you’ll lose, as long as you cancel for a reason listed in the policy. Problems typically covered for trip cancellation insurance claims include sickness, injury, severe weather, natural disasters, jury duty and more.
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy
Here is our top advice on key considerations for choosing the best travel insurance policy.
Where You’re Going
If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., a plan with travel medical insurance is important because you may have little to no coverage under your U.S. health plan. If you’re taking a domestic trip, you likely don’t need it, or you may want to buy low coverage amounts as a back-up.
If you’re taking an international trip, emergency medical evacuation coverage is important to have, especially if you’re visiting a remote area that doesn’t have top-quality medical facilities.
If you’re traveling to a hurricane-prone destination, travel insurance can also be beneficial if you’re worried about severe weather spoiling your vacation plans.
If you’re concerned about weather woes affecting your travel plans, you’ll want to make sure to buy a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance for hurricanes and other weather events.
If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to severe weather, you can file a claim and be reimbursed 100% for prepaid, non-refundable deposits.
To be eligible to file a travel insurance claim because of a storm, you must have bought your policy before the storm was named. Also, generally one of the following requirements must be met:
- Your destination is under a hurricane warning.
- Your destination is uninhabitable due to severe weather.
- Your (common carrier) airline is delayed for a specified amount of time listed in your policy—for example, six hours.
How You’re Getting There
Travel plans can be derailed by weather, airplane mechanical issues or any number of other unexpected circumstances. If you’re worried about paying extra money for costs due to a delay, you may want to look for a plan that has a generous amount of travel delay insurance.
What You’re Doing
If you have lots of pre-paid, non-refundable deposits for activities, lodging and tours, it is especially important to have trip cancellation coverage. This holds true for trip interruption insurance as well.
Travelers who plan to participate in extreme sports or adventure excursions should consider buying a plan that covers these activities, as they’re often excluded.
How Much Flexibility You Want
If you want the freedom to cancel a trip no matter what, opt for a “cancel for any reason” upgrade. You generally have to buy it within the first few weeks of making your first deposit. Similarly, you can also buy an “interruption for any reason” upgrade that allows you to cut a trip short and return home for any reason.
These upgrades are especially good for the traveler who has put down substantial prepaid, non-refundable deposits.
Concerns About Covid and Variants
If Covid is a travel concern for you, look for a travel insurance plan that covers Covid-related cancellations and medical costs. The best Covid travel insurance plans will also include “cancel for any reason” coverage.
If you test positive for the virus during your trip, travel delay insurance can cover extra costs for accommodations during a quarantine. This coverage can also compensate you for expenses up to a week past your original return date if you’re forced to stay beyond your return date due to a quarantine.
If you miss portions of your trip because you’re forced to quarantine after a positive Covid test, trip interruption insurance can allow you to recoup non-refundable expenses that you paid for in advance.
In order to make a claim you’ll need documentation that you tested positive for Covid.
Top Travel Destinations in April 2024
Americans are ready to take trips abroad in April: 89% of travel insurance purchases for trips taking place April 1-30, 2024, are for international trips, based on our analysis of policy sales.
Italy is the top international destination for trips this month, followed by Mexico and Great Britain. In addition:
- The average trip cost being insured for people traveling outside the U.S. in April is $5,984.
- The average trip cost being insured for folks traveling within the U.S. this month is $4,041.
- Americans traveling internationally are paying an average of $332 for their travel insurance policies for April trips and domestic travelers are paying an average of $227.
Where Are People Headed This Month?
Methodology
Forbes Advisor researched and analyzed 39 policies to find the best travel insurance. When companies had more than one 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.
Other Travel Insurance Policies We Rated
While these policies were not among our winners, they may still be good options based on your travel needs. Many of these plans have lower coverage limits, which may be suitable depending on your trip.
Company | Policy name | Forbes Advisor rating |
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Prime
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3.7 stars
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Ruby
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3.7 stars
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Gold
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3.6 stars
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USI Affinity
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Diamond
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3.6 stars
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Go Ready Choice
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3.5 stars
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iTravelInsured Travel SE
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3.2 stars
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John Hancock Insurance Agency
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Silver
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3.2 stars
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Safe Travels First Class
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3.2 stars
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Gold
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3.0 stars
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TripProtector Classic
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2.7 stars
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Trip Protection Basic
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2.7 stars
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Arch RoamRight
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Pro Plus
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2.6 stars
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ExactCare
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2.6 stars
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Aegis (formerly GoReady)
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Go Ready Pandemic Plus
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2.5 stars
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Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
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LuxuryCare
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2.5 stars
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Gold
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2.0 stars
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IMG
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iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic
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2.0 stars
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Preferred
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1.6 stars
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Cruise Universal
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1.6 stars
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Tin Leg
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Luxury
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1.5 stars
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IMG
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iTravelInsured Travel Lite
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1.4 stars
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Arch RoamRight
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Pro
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1.3 stars
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Generali Global Assistance
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Standard
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1.2 stars
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Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
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ExactCare Value
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1.1 stars
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AXA Assistance USA
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Silver
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1.0 stars
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HTH Travel Insurance
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TripProtector Economy
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1.0 stars
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Best Travel Insurance Companies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.