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6 Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in 2024

We listed the top-selling travel insurance policies over the past 12 months!
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  • Travel insurance is definitely worth the expense, especially when your trip is to a foreign country where US medical insurance may not cover you if there is an accident.
  • By researching the top-selling travel insurance policies of the last year and studying the coverage levels, we concluded that the best travel insurance plans come from Seven Corners, Generali, Tin Leg, IMG, & Trawick. (Skip ahead to view these plans)
  • Over the last year, these plans were the most popular plans among visitors and stand out for their robust coverage and affordability.
  • Each of them represents great value for the money and is rated A or better for its financial strength, meaning they are safe to book with.
  • When opting for travel insurance, everyone wants the best plan possible. However, the definition of what’s best can change depending on the type of trip you are taking, the coverage offered, limits, and more. Therefore, we made sure that all of the plans listed below are great choices for travelers of any age, trips foreign & domestic, and cover diverse travel scenarios.
  • We recommend using a comparison tool to save time and get quotes from multiple providers at once. This will allow you to review policies and prices side-by-side to make sure are getting the best plan for your needs at a fair price.
  1. To answer the burning question of?what is the best travel insurance?, we started by looking at the most sold plans over the last year – understanding that plans are popular for a reason.
  2. From there, we selected only travel insurance providers that have 4-stars and above for customer satisfaction and a financial strength rating of A or better.
  3. From there, we compared policy details, coverage options, and limits versus the average price of the plan to highlight plans offering the best value.
  4. We eliminated plans that offered low coverage limits that wouldn’t be suitable for international trips.
  5. We only chose plans that offered suitable coverage limits in all of the following areas:?COVID, medical treatment, evacuations, accidental death, repatriation, delays, interruptions, cancellations, & damage to belongings.
  6. Each provider stands out for different reasons including price, medical coverage limits, etc. However, we made sure that all of the providers and plans offered robust coverage levels for travelers of all ages and conditions, travel locations, and various travel scenarios.
  7. In the end, the plans speak for themselves as they all are great options for travel coverage.

Compare best travel insurance companies

Advertiser Disclosure
Plan Name
Customer Satisfaction Rating
Medical / Medevac Limits
Cancellation / Interruption Limits
View Pricing
$500,000 / $1,000,000
100% trip cost / 150% trip cost
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
$50,000 / $250,000
100% trip cost / 125% trip cost
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
$500,000 / $500,000
100% trip cost / 150% trip cost
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
$250,000 / $500,000
100% trip cost / 150% trip cost
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
$250,000 / $1,000,000
100% trip cost / 150% trip cost
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
$100,000 / $500,000
100% trip cost / 150% trip cost
Check Pricing via the Faye website

Our picks for the top travel insurance plans of 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Overall

Full Policy Details

Seven Corners

4.4
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

If you are looking for comprehensive travel insurance, the Trip Protection Choice plan from Seven Corners is an excellent choice. In fact, the Trip Protection Choice plan is our top-selling travel insurance policy thanks to its high coverage limits, customizable add-ons, excellent 24-hour customer service, and a 14-day money-back guarantee. This plan is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but it offers solid coverage for an affordable price.

Trip Protection Choice plan can easily cover and reimburse you for things like:

  • Overall trip cost
  • Travel delays & stipends
  • Baggage & equipment loss/damage
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Accidental death or dismemberment
  • Repatriation of remains

It’s also worth noting that this is the only plan on our list of the best travel insurance plans for 2024 that offers **non-medical evacuation coverage**.

The Trip Protection Choice offers extensive coverage for trip cancellation and interruption including a wide range of valid reasons for claiming trip cancellation and interruption benefits. It covers you for 100% of the trip cost if you cancel and 150% of the trip cost in case of interruptions. This coverage alone offers you incredible flexibility in case of unexpected inconveniences.

Regarding medical coverage, Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan offers $500,000 for emergency medical coverage and $1m in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage per person. It also covers medical expenses related to Covid-19. The plan’s primary medical coverage also means there is no deductible, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket if any medical emergencies occur during your trip.

The Trip Protection Choice plan also provides coverage for other travel-related incidents such as:

  • Travel Delays: up to $2,000
  • Missed Connections: up to $1,500
  • Baggage Delays: up to $500
  • Baggage Loss: up to $2,500

You can tailor your plan with optional add-ons to include coverage for Cancel for Any Reason, Interruption for Any Reason, rental car damage, sports equipment rental, and event ticket protection.

Keep in mind, that you also get 24-hour assistance service, providing round-the-clock support should you encounter any issues during your trip. With a free look period of up to 14 days after purchase, you can review your policy and request a full refund should it not meet your needs.

PROS

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best for Trips Within North America

Generali Global Assistance

4.3
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Standard
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$50,000 / $250,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The Standard plan from Generali Global Assistance is our 2nd most popular plan for 2024 and is a top choice if you're seeking a cost-effective way to protect your trip. What sets this plan apart is its budget-friendly nature, making it accessible to a variety of travelers. Despite the cheap price, this comprehensive plan still offers luxurious perks and benefits and you are protected throughout every step of your journey.

To start, the Standard plan comes with comprehensive secondary emergency medical coverage with limits of $50K per person and medevac & repatriation coverage of $250k per person. While these limits are a bit lower than other plans and offer secondary coverage, they are great for travel within the U.S. or to neighboring countries. Note: the secondary medical coverage means you will be asked to pay the bills first and wait for reimbursement, therefore this plan is ideal for domestic travel or as a supplementary plan to your existing U.S. health insurance while you travel.

Highlights of medical coverage include:

  • Emergency medical and dental assistance
  • Medical treatments relating to COVID-19
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Accidental death & dismemberment while flying (exceptionally high coverage)
  • Repatriation

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage also come standard with this plan. If you need to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons, you can receive reimbursement for 100% of the trip cost, or up to 125% of the trip cost if your trip is interrupted.

Examples of covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • Medical Reasons / Covid-19 Sickness
  • Weather conditions / Hurricanes
  • Employment Layoff
  • Terrorism

Other notable benefits include coverage for your pet travel companion, travel delays, missed connections (for cruises and tours), identity theft while traveling, baggage delay/damage/loss, and emergency assistance and transportation. With this plan, you have free access to worldwide 24-hour emergency phone support and concierge services that can help book events, tours, restaurants, rental cars, offer advice, organize pick-ups, etc.

Whether you need assistance with medical emergencies or require guidance during your travels, the Generali Global Assistance team is ready to help. For added peace of mind, Generali Global Assistance offers a 10-day Money Back Guarantee.

What you won’t get standard with this plan is an extension of coverage if you are delayed or fall ill while traveling, reimbursement for rental car damage, or coverage for sports or adventure activities. However, you can pay extra to customize your plan with optional coverage add-ons to include coverage for Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason.

PROS

  • Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Telemedicine included

CONS

  • Lower coverage than other Generali plans
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
  • No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for "A Bit of Everything"

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The Tin Leg Gold plan is our 3rd most popular travel insurance policy of 2024. It continually ranks as one of the cheapest policies but offers high medical benefits and comprehensive cancellation coverage. This plan is specifically designed for travelers who want coverage for a bit of every scenario while traveling. However, it places high importance on your health while traveling.

The Gold plan’s impressive medical coverage includes a $500,000 limit for both primary emergency medical assistance and medical evacuation assistance – ensuring you can get the treatment you need and are returned home safely should anything happen while away. Best of all, the primary coverage means no deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. Tin Leg will pay the bills for you.

Another major highlight of the Gold plan is its coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions. If you purchase Tin Leg Gold within 14 days of booking your trip and insuring the full trip cost, pre-existing conditions will be covered under the plan limits. This makes the plan great for older travelers or those who may have a flare-up.

At a glance, the following medical coverage comes standard:

  • Emergency medical assistance
  • Medical evacuation & repatriation
  • Accidental death & dismemberment
  • Medical coverage for COVID-19 sickness
  • Pre-existing conditions (when meeting waiver criteria)
  • Sports & adventure (exclusions apply)

The great coverage doesn’t stop at solely medical care. Another strong suit of the Tin Leg Gold plan is the Cancellation coverage which can reimburse you for up to 100% of the trip cost if you cancel or 150% of the trip cost if your travel is interrupted – due to reasons included in the policy.

Examples of some covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • Medical reasons
  • COVID-19 sickness
  • Inclement weather
  • Terrorism
  • and more…

Other notable travel benefits that manage to cover a bit of everything include coverage for:

  • Travel Delays
  • Missed Connections
  • Baggage delay/damage/loss
  • Sports gear/equipment delay/damage/loss
  • Optional Cancel For Any Reason cover

However, if travel delay & baggage coverage are extra important to you, it’s good to note that this plan has lower limits for reimbursement than other plans on our list when it comes to these scenarios. That said, it also offers higher medical limits at a fraction of the price of other providers. So, it’s up to you and your needs.

With a 14-day money-back guarantee and 24-hour travel assistance service, Tin Leg Gold goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and support. This policy truly stands out as a top choice for travelers who prioritize their well-being and want comprehensive coverage for their trips.

PROS

  • Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
  • High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
  • Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
  • Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
  • Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best for International Coverage on a Budget

IMG

4.2
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
iTravelInsured Travel SE
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE plan comes in as our 5th most-sold plan and is great for those looking for a budget policy with high enough coverage for international travel. It provides solid benefits for accidents & illnesses, baggage coverage, rental car damage cover, missed trip connections, and change fees.

In terms of medical coverage, this plan includes primary medical coverage with no deductibles. You’ll get limits of $250,000 per person for emergency medical coverage (that includes COVID-19 illness) and medical evacuation & repatriation coverage of $500,000 per person. It also covers Pre-Existing Conditions if purchased within 20 days of the trip deposit. Accidental Death coverage is provided with a higher-than-average limit of $25,000 per person.

The plan also provides comprehensive coverage for various scenarios relating to trip cancellation & trip interruption. You can be reimbursed for up to 100% of total trip costs for canceling or 150% of total trip costs for interruptions due to covered reasons.

Examples of covered reasons for canceling include:

  • Medical Reasons
  • Work Reasons
  • Hurricane and weather conditions,
  • Terrorism,
  • Personal Financial Default
  • Employment Layoff

For pet owners, this plan offers additional cancellation or Interruption benefits if your pet or service animal becomes sick, injured, or dies.

In case of travel delay, the plan allows you to extend the duration of your plan until you can return home. Other coverage for travel mishaps include:

  • Travel Delays
  • Baggage Delays
  • Damage or loss of bags/personal items
  • Missed Connections

Other benefits of the plan include rental car damage coverage of up to $40,000, a 10-day money-back guarantee, and a 24-hour assistance service. Several sports activities are covered under the plan as well as sports equipment.

Overall, the IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE plan offers extensive coverage at an affordable price, making it a top choice for international travelers.

PROS

  • Purchase your plan up until one day before you depart
  • Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
  • Pre-existing condition waiver available if purchased within 20 days of initial trip deposit
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered

CONS

  • Plan gets notably more expensive with age

Best for Overall High Coverage Limits

Trawick International

4.1
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Safe Travels Voyager
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Several of the Trawick travel insurance plans rank among our top-selling plans for 2024. The Safe Travels Voyager plan is arguably the most popular among LA Times' readers thanks to its comprehensive coverage. With its higher-than-average coverage limits over many categories, Trawick Safe Travels Voyager is the ideal choice for travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance with high levels of policy limits.

Starting with its medical benefits, it offers a good primary medical coverage limit of up to $250,000 per person for medical emergencies and covers up to a whopping $1,000,000 per person for medical evacuation and repatriation. The plan is not the cheapest on the list, but these levels make it ideal for global international travel and even travel to remote locations. The plan can also cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy the plan within 21 days of the initial trip deposit and before the final trip payment. This means it’s also a solid option for older travelers or those with existing health conditions.

Other key benefits include cancellation coverage, which can reimburse you for up to 100% of the trip cost, and interruption coverage which can reimburse you for up to 150% of the trip cost if your trip is cut short. Cancellation and interruption cancellation for COVID-19 sickness also come standard.

As with other plans, examples of covered reasons for canceling can include:

  • Medical Reasons
  • Hurricane & Weather
  • Financial Default
  • Employment Layoff
  • Terrorism

This plan also has the highest reimbursement limits for travel delays and baggage issues of any on our list of best travel plans for . You also be reimbursed for travel delays (up to $3,000 per person) and missed connections on cruises and tours (up to $1,000 per person).

Loss or delay of baggage is always a concern while traveling, but with this plan, you can rest easy. It offers coverage for:

  • Baggage and personal items loss up to $2,500
  • Baggage delay coverage up to $600 per person

Sports and activities are covered (with some limitations), and sports fees are included in the cancellation and interruption coverage.

Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan also includes coverage for rental car damage up to $35,000 per person, a 10-day money-back guarantee after purchase, and 24-hour assistance service should you need help during your trip. Whether you’re looking for medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, or assistance services, this plan has you covered. Travel with confidence knowing you’re protected with Trawick Safe Travels Voyager.

PROS

  • Excellent medical coverage limits
  • Up to $2,500 baggage coverage included
  • Covers quarantine accommodation expenses

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 8 hours
  • CFAR only covers 75% of the insured trip cost

Best for Customer Service

Full Policy Details

Faye Travel Insurance

4.5
Check Pricing via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Faye is a new travel insurance disruptor that offers an innovative solution to travel insurance with a digital-first approach. What sets them apart is their user-friendly solution to a traditionally bureaucratic system. With Faye, users can manage everything online or via the Faye app – including the entire booking and claims process. Although it’s a newer provider in the travel insurance industry, Faye is already rising as a fan favorite among young, tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads who want quick, convenient, and reliable travel insurance without having to go through an agent.

Apart from their online-first approach, Faye is easy to use and caters to all types of travelers including those who may want help via phone support.

Another feature that sets Faye apart from the competition is their plan offerings. Faye offers one base plan with an array of comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons to customize your plan.

Potential Add-ons include:

  • Pet care
  • Rental car care
  • Cancel for any reason
  • Vacation rental damage
  • Adventure & extreme sports

If you are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to insure your vacation, consider opting for Faye travel insurance. *Note: Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

PROS

  • Friendly agents
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
  • Prompt replies to questions

CONS

  • Long wait times for reimbursement
  • Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat
Passport and Plane Ticket

Compare Plan Coverage

Advertiser Disclosure
Seven Corners
Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice
Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance Standard
Compare plans from providers side by side
Type of medical coverage
Primary
Secondary
Emergency Medical
$500,000
$50,000
Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
$1,000,000
$250,000
Covers COVID
YES
YES
Pre-Existing Conditions
Waiver Available
NO
Extension Of Coverage
YES
NO
Non-Medical Evacuation
$20,000
NO
Trip Cancellation
100% trip cost
100% trip cost
Trip Interruption
150% trip cost
125% trip cost
Travel Delays
6+ hours
10+ hours
Missed Connection
3+ hours Cruise & tour only
3+ hours Cruise & tour only
Baggage Loss
YES
YES
Baggage Delay
6+ hours
24+ hours
24 Hour AD&D
$20,000
NO
Flight Only AD&D
NO
$50,000
Common Carrier AD&D
$40,000
NO
Sports & Activities
Some Sports
NO
Sports Equipment Loss
YES
NO
Sports Equipment Delay
Optional Add-on
NO
Sports Fees
YES
NO
Rental Car Damage
Optional Add-on
Optional Add-on
Money Back Guarantee
YES
YES
24 Hour Assistance Service
YES
YES
Cancel For Any Reason
Optional Add-on
NO
AMBest Rating
Better Business Bureau Rating

How we selected the best travel insurance

  1. To answer the burning question of what is the best travel insurance?, we started by looking at the most sold plans over the last year – understanding that plans are popular for a reason.
  2. From there, we selected only travel insurance providers that have 4-stars and above for customer satisfaction and a financial strength rating of A or better.
  3. From there, we compared policy details, coverage options, and limits versus the average price of the plan to highlight plans offering the best value.
  4. We eliminated plans that offered low coverage limits that wouldn’t be suitable for international trips.
  5. We only chose plans that offered suitable coverage limits in all of the following areas: COVID, medical treatment, evacuations, accidental death, repatriation, delays, interruptions, cancellations, & damage to belongings.
  6. Each provider stands out for different reasons including price, medical coverage limits, etc. However, we made sure that all of the providers and plans offered robust coverage levels for travelers of all ages and conditions, travel locations, and various travel scenarios.
  7. In the end, the plans speak for themselves as they all are great options for travel coverage.

What is travel insurance & how does it work?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance product that can provide reimbursement when a trip is canceled, interrupted, or ruined for a reason that is stipulated in the insurance plan.

As an additional perk, travel insurance can also provide financial reimbursement for travel-related issues like lost luggage or missed connections, or even a missed cruise due to a travel delay.

Other benefits of travel insurance can include access to 24-hour travel assistance services and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Ultimately, travel insurance aims to make the traveler whole when they suffer financial losses due to a covered reason included in their plan.

Some travel insurance plans will pay out immediately, meaning you don’t have to pay any costs upfront and wait for reimbursement. Other travel insurance plans require you to eat the costs initially and then receive a reimbursement for your expenses after submitting a claim.

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance may seem like a sunk cost if you never have to use your plan, but it can absolutely save your finances if you wind up needing coverage.

This is especially true in instances where the stakes are high, such as having a medical emergency or needing pricey medical evacuation coverage when you’re overseas in France or Spain for example.

Spending a few hundred bucks or less to insure your trip can also help you gain peace of mind, as well as the chance to enjoy a worry-free vacation. This is especially true for older travelers, as seniors benefit most from travel insurance.

At the end of the day, there are many reasons travel insurance is worth it and very few reasons to go without it.

What type of travel insurance do I need?

The type of travel insurance coverage you need will vary based on the trip you plan to take.

For example, you may not need to worry about travel health insurance if your trip is U.S.-based and you already have your own health coverage.

Likewise, you may not technically need baggage insurance if you are driving to your destination and you plan to handle your bags at all times. Another example is when you carry on your bags for a flight.

This said, most travelers need to have basic coverage in place for most types of trips.

At the bare minimum, this includes coverage with sufficient limits for:

Here is a look at the most common types of travel insurance available and what each type covers.

Types of travel insurance

The main types of travel insurance coverage you can buy are:

  1. Travel Assistance Services
  2. Travel Health Insurance
  3. Emergency Medical Assistance
  4. Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  5. Extreme Adventures & Sports
  6. Trip Cancellation, Interruption, or Delay
  7. Cancel for Any Reason
  8. Baggage & Belongings
  9. Rental Car Coverage

Below, we’ve broken down these types of travel insurance in greater detail with explanations of what they cover.

What does travel insurance cover?

What travel insurance covers depends on the type of travel insurance you choose.

When buying travel insurance, you’ll typically find plans with multiple types of coverage. Here we explain the common types and what they cover.

Travel assistance services coverage

This is the most basic type of travel coverage. Travel assistance services are usually offered on a 24-hour basis, meaning you can call a hotline for help any time you need it, even if it’s late at night in the Dominican Republic This coverage can supply emergency translation services, help with setting up medical care and evacuation, or provide other travel assistance services needed at the last minute.

Travel health insurance coverage

Travel health insurance pays for medical bills when you become sick or injured during a trip. This coverage is crucial if you are planning a trip away from home where your own health insurance plan will not apply.

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and repatriation coverage

Emergency medical evacuation insurance can help pay for emergency transportation to the nearest hospital or clinic, even if that transportation requires a flight in a plane or a helicopter. Repatriation coverage can help pay to transport the body home for burial if you or an insured family member pass away during a covered trip.

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance reimburses you or your family if you pass away or become dismembered during an accident. In addition to the death benefit, this coverage can apply if you lose a limb, as well as your sight or hearing during a trip.

Coverage for extreme adventure sports

This type of travel insurance covers high-risk sports you might do during a trip, whether that includes climbing, hang gliding, scuba diving, or other extreme activities. Sometimes even riding a motorcycle on a trip can fall under this category, which varies by plan.

Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage

Trip cancellation insurance kicks in when a trip gets canceled for a reason covered in the plan. Trip interruption insurance comes into play when a trip must be interrupted after it begins. In either case, this trip protection reimburses you for eligible pre-paid and nonrefundable travel expenses.

Travel delay coverage helps reimburse you for incidental expenses you incur when a trip is delayed. This typically includes meals and hotel stays that are required while you wait to depart.

With these plans, there are certain limitations set out in the plan that denotes what type of circumstances you are covered for.

CFAR coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an optional insurance policy that lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want. This coverage typically makes travel insurance cost 40% to 50% more, and it reimburses between 50% to 75% of pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses depending on the plan.

These plans are typically more expensive as they offer expansive coverage than traditional trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance.

Coverage for baggage and personal belongings

Baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement plans reimburse you when a common carrier loses your bags, or they are delayed for at least six to 12 hours (depending on the plan).

Where lost baggage gets reimbursed up to the coverage limits of the plan, baggage delay coverage pays a daily amount for incidental expenses that rack up while you wait for your luggage to show up.

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can be primary or secondary. Either way, this coverage can protect you against damage or theft that occurs when you rent a vehicle.

That said, rental car travel insurance may not apply to all types of vehicles, nor will it apply to every destination around the world. Also, note that rental car coverage does not include protection against liability. Therefore it’s always important to read the fine print when opting for rental car coverage as part of your travel insurance plan.

Annual or multi-trip coverage

While it’s more common to purchase single-trip travel insurance, it’s possible to purchase a multi-trip policy or an annual plan for long-term travel. Annual and multi-trip plans tend to cost more in general, but they help frequent travelers avoid having to buy coverage for each individual trip they take.

Now that we have gone over the different types of coverage, let’s discuss what things aren’t covered by travel insurance.

What isn’t covered by travel insurance?

Each plan has different items that it won’t cover, so it’s important to read the fine print regarding what is not covered in the insurance plan you are looking to buy.

Here is a list of what is not covered by most travel insurance plans:

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance varies based on the age of the travelers, the total trip cost, the travel destination, and the level of coverage chosen.

To help you get an idea of the cost of different plans, we used Squaremouth to compare travel insurance costs for a trip to the island of Barbados for two 40-year-olds in September of 2024.

The travel insurance quotes we received were for a 7-night vacation with a total trip cost of $6,000.

Travel Insurance Company Estimated Plan Costs
AXA Assistance USA $264
Trawick International $264.20
IMG $279.46
TinLeg $320
Generali Global Assistance $338.70
Seven Corners $368

From there, we got another international travel insurance quote for a trip to Italy for two 30-year-olds in September of 2024.

The quotes for travel insurance we received were for a 7-night vacation with a total trip cost of $4,000.

Travel Insurance Company Estimated Plan Costs
IMG $137.54
TinLeg $144
Trawick International $166.90
Seven Corners $186
AXA Assistance USA $208
Generali Global Assistance $209.24

While these are just example costs for international trip insurance, it can help you see that there are many different factors that can affect how much travel insurance costs overall.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that there are many opportunities to get cheap travel insurance plans that still offer great protection. Feel free to have a look at that article for coverage options on a low budget.

How to choose the best travel insurance policy

Consider the tips below when deciding which travel insurance is best for you.

1

Decide what type of coverage you truly need.

You may have some types of coverage through other avenues, such as U.S. health insurance or a credit card. Check to see what type of additional coverage you may need. Research the types of travel coverage options available and decide which types are most important to you. This could vary depending on the type of trip you’re planning to take, as well as save you money by cutting out irrelevant coverage.

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2

Review coverage levels, limits, & fine print.

Make sure coverage limits for plans you’re considering are sufficient, particularly when it comes to protection for emergency medical conditions and emergency evacuation. We recommend opting for at least a $250,000 limit for medical coverage.

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3

Consider opting for CFAR coverage.

CFAR coverage that lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all. CFAR coverage is typically only available with premium travel insurance plans, or as an add-on to a traditional plan.

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4

Opt for plans among the top travel insurance providers.

The most popular plans are chosen for a reason. You can quickly narrow your results using our list from above, or by doing your own research. However, it will be in your favor to choose from the most popular plans as these are typically the ones that have the best-proven track record among buyers.

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5

Use a price comparison site.

We recommend using a price comparison site to research and compare travel insurance plans because they lay out the information in a like-for-like comparison. This can help highlight major differences in plans and coverage. They can also help you see pricing and coverage levels for plans that apply to your specific travel destination and dates.

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Passport and Plane Ticket

When should I buy travel insurance?

Most travel insurance companies let you purchase a plan up until the day your trip departs.

However, you may get a better price on a plan if you shop around for travel insurance protection early on, or at least several weeks before your planned date of departure.

That said, time-sensitive restrictions can apply to certain types of coverage. For example, you typically need to purchase cancellation for any reason (CFAR) insurance within 24 hours to 20 days of making the initial deposit on your trip. This is because the chances of cancellation increase after purchase.

Where to buy travel insurance

You can buy travel insurance directly from a provider if you want to, but you can also rely on an easy-to-use comparison site to shop around and buy travel insurance online. This is our recommendation as a comparison site takes out the extra leg work.

Using a comparison site offers tons of benefits and helps you easily see which travel insurance policies are available to you. For example, using a comparison site lets you see how much several different plans cost side-by-side, and it can save you time and stress along the way.

Luckily for you, at LA Times Compare, we do just that so you don’t even need to leave the page to get a travel insurance comparison.

Our top picks for the best cheap travel insurance

Our top picks for the best trip cancellation insurance

Our top picks for the best cancel for any reason travel insurance

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Our top picks for the best covid-19 travel insurance

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Our top picks for the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Travel Insurance FAQ

Can you buy travel insurance after already booking a trip?

Most people purchase travel insurance coverage after they have already booked a trip. More so, the majority of travel insurance plans let you buy a plan up till the day of departure. However, some types such as cancel for any reason insurance offer a restricted window of when you must purchase to be covered.

Is it worth it to get travel insurance?

Travel insurance is clearly worth it. After all, having a medical emergency overseas could easily cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. You could be stuck covering these bills out-of-pocket if you don’t have travel insurance, which could leave you in financial distress for decades to come. With that said, this answer can vary depending on your personal circumstances.

What happens if I don’t use my travel insurance?

If you don’t use your travel insurance, you won’t get a refund. However, you will have gained the peace of mind that comes with knowing you had travel protection for the duration of your trip.

Do credit cards cover travel insurance?

It’s possible to get travel insurance with a credit card, although coverage levels are limited in general. Also note that credit card coverage can be light or nonexistent when it comes to protection for medical expenses and dental coverage, as well as insurance for emergency evacuations.

Finally, note that you have to pay for each aspect of your trip with a specific credit card for its coverage to apply to your travel plans. In other words, having a credit card with travel insurance in your wallet isn’t enough.

Are cruises covered by travel insurance?

You can purchase specific travel insurance coverage that applies to cruises however most comprehensive travel insurance plans already cover this type of travel.

When can I purchase travel insurance?

You can typically purchase insurance for travel up to the day before your scheduled date of departure. However, some types may require you to purchase it within several days of your initial booking. Sometimes booking well in advance can reduce the cost of your plan.

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Since the pandemic, most travel insurance plans now provide coverage for coronavirus. It’s still a good practice to read over the details of each travel policy you are considering to know for sure. Sometimes unexpected quarantine-related expenses are not covered, while medical treatment for COVID is.

Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?

Many travel insurance plans provide coverage for luggage that is lost while in the care of a common carrier (transportation company). Limits apply to this coverage, however, so make sure to read over your policy before you travel.

Does travel insurance cover missed or delayed flights?

Many travel insurance plans cover missed connections and delayed flights. This is especially true for travel interruption or travel cancellation insurance. It’s best to read over your policy details to find out whether you have this coverage and what the applicable limits are for each traveler and trip.

Is flight insurance the same as travel insurance?

No, flight insurance is not the same as travel insurance. Technically, flight insurance is a specific type of travel insurance that can be bought directly from an airline. While it might be convenient to purchase at the same time as your airline tickets, flight insurance may not be worth it. It generally comes with fewer coverages, and you will have far fewer options to tailor the plan to your specific needs than you would with a policy from a third party travel insurance provider.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth?

Most travel insurance policies will not cover many normal pregnancy scenarios such as childbirth, false labor, prenatal care, and several others.

However, some plans will cover unforeseeable and unexpected medical complications related to pregnancy. This includes things like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and hyperemesis gravidarum.

If you’re pregnant, its important to check your policy to ensure these things are included. If you hav