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Best Overall Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance runner-up, best travel insurance for cruises, best travel insurance for reputation.

• Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Best travel insurance for affordability, best travel insurance for road trips, best for adventure traveling, get travel insurance quotes, how we reviewed the best travel insurance companies, ultimate guide to choosing the best travel insurance.

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Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Preexisting Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for Adventure Sports :  World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as preexisting conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide travel insurance review .

AXA Assistance USA

AXA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA travel insurance review .

Travel Guard

AIG is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard travel insurance review .

C&F Travel Insured

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

Best Travel Insurance for Preexisting Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for preexisting conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg travel insurance review .

WorldTrips Travel Insurance

WorldTrips has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad, and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Trawick International Travel Insurance

Trawick offers low premiums across its five plans, most of which offer coverage for preexisting conditions. You'll find robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company also offers high medical evacuation coverage limits, up to $1,000,000.

Additionally, Trawick's Travel Safe plan allows you to build your own plan from scratch, meaning you don't have to pay for coverage you don't need.

Read our Trawick travel insurance review .

Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex travel insurance review .

World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Additionally, its one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.

That said, World Nomads doesn't have the highest coverage limits compared to its competitors on this list, travel medical insurance capping out at $100,000. It also isn't the most flexible provider, only providing two plans to choose from with no options for preexisting condition coverage. Yet, World Nomads still stands out for its sports coverage and post-departure coverage.

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review .

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

For example, to get coverage for a canceled trip due to work, many travel insurance companies require that you've been with that company for at least a year. 

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy — what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. At the very least, you should have the terms readily available while you're on your trip.

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Your insurance company may even have a 24/7 assistance hotline that can walk you through an emergency during your trip, even issues that don't involve claims. 

When a problem arises. you'll want to document as much as possible, in case you need proof when filing a claim. Ask for receipts and invoices when possible.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, Business Insider evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance for even more details. And see our guide to the best travel insurance in California if you're traveling to that state, specifically.

Best Travel Insurance FAQ

There isn't a single best travel insurance company; there are many excellent providers available today. Our top choice is Nationwide for its comprehensive coverage options. AIG Travel Guard, AXA, Berkshire Hathaway, Tin Leg, WorldTrips, and Trawick also rank highly. The best choice depends on what features you value most, like a low premium or high coverage limits.

While coverage varies by policy, common exclusions often include pre-existing medical conditions (unless you purchase a waiver), accidents from high-risk activities if not specifically covered (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving), travel for medical procedures, and events known before buying the policy (e.g., traveling during a pandemic). Always read your policy carefully to understand exclusions.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all travel insurance solution. First, determine the benefits most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage. Then, look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially regarding claims processing.

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 10% of your total trip cost, varying based on trip destination, length, your age, group size, and other factors.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage for canceled flights. If this benefit is essential, check your policy to ensure it provides adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your plans, consider purchasing "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance.

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International Travel Insurance: 5 Best Options for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

Any trip overseas is a big investment you want to protect, and having international travel insurance will ensure you don't lose money if your trip is canceled or interrupted for reasons beyond your control – or if your bags are delayed or lost entirely by your airline or cruise line .

An international policy can also include travel medical coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation.

Our team of experts compared more than 20 of the top providers to find the best international travel insurance companies for trips around the world. Read on to choose the one that suits you most.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for the Cost
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats

Quiz: Not sure which travel insurance fits your trip?

Buy coverage for single trips or multiple trips at once

Annual plans available

Lower coverage amounts for emergency medical expenses than some other plans

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
• Emergency medical transportation coverage up to $500,000
• Trip change protector coverage worth up to $500
• Baggage loss and damage coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay coverage up to $300 (12-hour delay required)
• Travel delay coverage up to $800 ($200 per day)

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Add-on coverage available for lodging expenses, preexisting medical conditions and rental cars

Optional CFAR coverage available with some plans

Coverage limits for its lowest-tier Essential plan may be insufficient for some trips

Add-on coverage for preexisting conditions must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
• Baggage coverage worth up to $750
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays
• Travel medical expense coverage worth up to $15,000
• Up to $150,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation

Choose medical coverage limits based on your needs

Generous limits for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation across all plans

CFAR coverage must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit and is only available with Premium plan

Rental car coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 175% of the trip cost
• Travel delay coverage up to $1,000 per traveler ($300 daily limit)
• Up to $2,000 per person in baggage protection
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for sporting equipment
• Up to $500 per person for baggage delays
• Up to $500 per person for sporting equipment delays
• Up to $1,000 per person in protection for missed connections
• Up to $250,000 per person in coverage for emergency medical and dental procedures
• Up to $1 million in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation
• Up to $25,000 per person in rental car coverage
• Up to $100,000 per plan in accidental death and dismemberment coverage

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Coverage limits within standard plans may be insufficient

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

• Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellation
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $3,000 in protection for damage or theft to your bags or gear

Purchase international travel medical insurance for individual trips, multiple trips or long-term travel

Coverage is mostly for emergency medical expenses abroad

Some plans require a primary U.S. health insurance plan

Frequently Asked Questions

No, international travel insurance is not required unless you are visiting a country where it is mandatory.

While many countries began mandating travel insurance for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, most have loosened entry requirements and dropped this condition. Countries that still require international visitors to have travel insurance include the following:

• Antarctica:  Travel medical insurance is generally required by cruise lines and tour operators for  trips to Antarctica , with a standard minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical and evacuation coverage, since there are no public hospitals in Antarctica itself.
• Ecuador:  You do not need travel insurance to visit the country of Ecuador, but you do need insurance with medical coverage to visit the  Galápagos Islands .
• Qatar:  Travelers visiting Qatar for more than 30 days are required to have a travel insurance policy that is approved by the country's Ministry of Public Health.
• Saudi Arabia:  Visitors to Saudi Arabia from eligible countries must pay for an eVisa, and the cost includes compulsory travel insurance coverage.

While travel insurance policies can include a broad range of coverages, the main protections you'll want for international trips include the following:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage:  This type of protection can reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses when a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason beyond your control.
• Baggage delay insurance:  This coverage can pay for incidental expenses that occur when your bags are delayed for a specific period of time (usually six hours or longer).
• Lost luggage coverage:  This protection can replace your luggage and your belongings or reimburse you for costs if your bags are lost by a common carrier.
• Rental car insurance:  This type of insurance may provide primary coverage when you rent an eligible rental car .
• Emergency medical and dental coverage:  This type of insurance will pay for emergency medical treatment or dental expenses that may arise during your trip.
• Emergency evacuation coverage:  This protection can pay for emergency transportation costs when you're sick or injured during your trip.

While coverages offered through international travel insurance plans tend to be broad, keep in mind that this type of insurance won't cover every situation that could arise. Some common issues that are not covered by international travel insurance plans include:

• Acts of war
• Claims due to air or water pollution
• Claims due to natural disasters
• Epidemics not specifically included in coverage
• Extreme, high-risk sports
• Government regulations or proclamations
• Nuclear radiation and contamination
• Terrorist events
• Travel bulletins or alerts

Note: If you are concerned about any of the above, consider investing in a policy that includes cancel for any reason protection. Just be aware that CFAR coverage will make your international travel insurance plan more expensive. Most of these plans also have limits on how much of your prepaid travel expenses can be refunded, which are usually capped between 60% to 80% of your trip costs.

Many travel credit cards offer international travel insurance benefits, but you should know that these coverages have some limitations. For example, travel insurance plans from credit cards never provide meaningful amounts of coverage for medical emergencies or dental emergencies. You also have to pay for each trip with your travel credit card for coverage to apply.

The cost of international travel insurance can vary by your age, the length of your trip, your total trip cost and other factors. You can compare multiple quotes on sites like TravelInsurance.com and Squaremouth to get an idea of the cost of coverage for your upcoming travel plans.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has covered travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

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Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.