The Best Travel Insurance Companies

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Insurance Basics

Travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen expenses during your trips, including cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. Here's a breakdown of the top providers, coverage types, and what to look for when choosing travel insurance.


Top Travel Insurance Providers

1. Allianz Global Assistance

  • Highlights:
  • Extensive history in the industry (insured Wright brothers"9 first flight).
  • Offers trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergency coverage.
  • 24/7 support.
  • Unique Features: Partnerships with airlines and hotels, and customizable plans.

2. Travelex Insurance Services

  • Highlights:
  • Specializes in North American travel insurance.
  • Coverage includes bankruptcy, terrorism, trip cancellations, and baggage protection.
  • Customizable upgrades available.
  • Unique Features: Flexible plans with add-ons for specific needs.

3. TravelSafe Insurance

  • Highlights:
  • Serving U.S. and Canadian travelers since 1971.
  • Offers comprehensive packages, including medical coverage and cancellations.
  • Strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Unique Features: Established industry leader with multiple package options.

4. American Express Travel Insurance

  • Highlights:
  • Provides customizable options for medical expenses, trip delays, and lost baggage.
  • Trusted Fortune 500 company with a focus on financial services.
  • Unique Features: Customizable plans aligned with AmEx cardholder benefits.

5. Travel Guard

  • Highlights:
  • Over 25 years of experience providing international and domestic travel insurance.
  • Covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies.
  • 24/7 assistance available.
  • Unique Features: Strong global presence for business and leisure travelers.

6. Trip Mate Insurance

  • Highlights:
  • First to waive pre-existing condition exclusions.
  • Policies include trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
  • Unique Features: Tailored for frequent and casual travelers alike.

7. APRIL International

  • Highlights:
  • Operates in 37 countries, offering single-trip and annual multi-trip plans.
  • Coverage includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage, and more.
  • Unique Features: Streamlined claims process and 24/7 global support.

8. TripInsurance.com

  • Highlights:
  • Aggregates quotes from 20+ providers.
  • Allows for direct purchase with exclusive consumer rates.
  • Unique Features: Easy comparison and tiered plans (\"good,\" \"better,\" and \"best\").

Key Travel Insurance Coverages

  • Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Covers prepaid travel costs if you cancel due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or family emergencies.

  • Trip Interruption Insurance

  • Reimburses you for costs if your trip is cut short due to covered reasons like medical emergencies or natural disasters.

  • Emergency Medical Coverage

  • Pays for unexpected medical or dental expenses while traveling. Essential for international travel where your health insurance may not apply.

  • Emergency Evacuation Coverage

  • Covers transportation to the nearest medical facility or back home if required.

  • Trip Delay Coverage

  • Reimburses expenses like meals and accommodations if your trip is delayed.

  • Baggage Protection

  • Covers lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, as well as personal belongings.

What Travel Insurance Doesn't Cover \u274c

  • Pre-existing medical conditions (unless explicitly included).
  • High-risk activities (e.g., skydiving) unless added.
  • Known weather disruptions.
  • Acts of war or government-issued travel restrictions.
  • Unlawful acts or negligence.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Plan

  • Evaluate Medical Coverage
  • Ensure limits meet your needs, especially for international travel.

  • Consider Your Itinerary

  • Choose plans tailored to cruises, multi-flight trips, or adventurous activities.

  • Look at Coverage Limits

  • Check limits for delays, baggage, and cancellations to avoid unexpected gaps.

  • Opt for Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) Coverage

  • Provides partial reimbursement if you cancel for reasons not covered by standard policies.

  • Check for 24/7 Assistance

  • Access to interpreters, lost passport help, and emergency logistics is invaluable.

FAQs About Travel Insurance

  • How much does it cost?
  • Typically 4%-12% of the trip cost (e.g., $200-$600 for a $5,000 trip).

  • When should I buy it?

  • Purchase immediately after booking to maximize coverage.

  • Is travel insurance worth it?

  • Yes, particularly for international trips or costly vacations. It mitigates financial risks from cancellations or emergencies.

  • Can I rely on credit card travel insurance?

  • Credit cards often include limited coverage. Evaluate whether it meets your needs or if supplemental insurance is required.

Summing it up

Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind, especially for international trips or expensive vacations. Providers like Allianz, Travelex, and APRIL International stand out for their comprehensive plans, reliable customer service, and global coverage. Always compare policies carefully to ensure you're fully protected.


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1. Allianz Global Assistance

  • Highlights: Extensive history in the industry; partners with airlines and hotels.
  • Coverage: Medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage issues, emergency evacuations.
  • Best For: Travelers seeking a trusted, established provider.

2. Travelex Insurance Services

  • Highlights: Offers customizable plans for different travel needs.
  • Coverage: Bankruptcy, terrorism, trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies.
  • Best For: Those wanting tailored travel insurance options.

3. American Express Travel Insurance

  • Highlights: Customizable policies; wide range of financial and insurance services.
  • Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip delays, lost baggage.
  • Best For: Frequent travelers and AMEX cardholders.

4. APRIL International

  • Highlights: Present in 37 countries; offers single-trip and multi-trip plans.
  • Coverage: Medical, trip cancellation, baggage loss, death/disability.
  • Best For: International travelers needing comprehensive coverage.

5. Travel Guard

  • Highlights: Serves millions of travelers annually; over 25 years of experience.
  • Coverage: International policies for medical, trip interruptions, and baggage issues.
  • Best For: Business and leisure travelers.

6. Travel Insured International

  • Highlights: Works with 1,500+ travel agencies; offers extensive coverage options.
  • Coverage: Trip delays, medical evacuation, lost or damaged baggage.
  • Best For: Travelers booking through agencies.

7. Trip Mate Insurance

  • Highlights: Pioneered pre-existing condition waivers.
  • Coverage: Trip cancellation, pre-existing conditions, baggage issues.
  • Best For: Travelers with pre-existing health conditions.

8. TravelSafe Insurance

  • Highlights: Industry leader since 1971; offers several unique packages.
  • Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip delays, cancellations.
  • Best For: Travelers looking for trusted, long-standing insurers.

9. TripInsurance.com

  • Highlights: Direct-to-consumer rates for better value.
  • Coverage: Trip cancellations, medical expenses, baggage loss.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking competitive pricing.

Types of Travel Insurance

  • Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Reimburses prepaid travel expenses for covered cancellations (e.g., illness, family emergencies).

  • Trip Interruption Insurance

  • Covers costs if a trip is disrupted mid-journey due to illness, injury, or natural disasters.

  • Emergency Medical Expense Coverage

  • Pays for medical and dental emergencies while traveling.

  • Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

  • Covers transport costs (ambulance, helicopter, or plane) during medical emergencies.

  • Trip Delay Coverage

  • Reimburses costs for meals, accommodations, and transport during delays.

  • Baggage Insurance

  • Covers lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and associated expenses.

What's Covered by Travel Insurance?

  • Medical emergencies and evacuations.
  • Trip cancellations or interruptions.
  • Delayed or lost baggage.
  • Trip delays (meals, hotels, transport).
  • Emergency dental treatment.

What's Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

  • Known events (e.g., hurricanes already forecasted).
  • Acts of war or government restrictions.
  • High-risk activities (unless explicitly included).
  • Routine medical care or pregnancy-related issues.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Plan

  • Assess Medical Coverage
  • Ensure limits meet your needs, especially for international trips.

  • Evaluate Risks

  • For complex trips (e.g., cruises, multiple connections), prioritize coverage for delays and missed excursions.

  • Check Coverage Limits

  • Compare baggage, medical, and trip interruption coverage across plans.

  • Look for Assistance Services

  • Opt for policies offering 24/7 travel assistance for medical emergencies, lost passports, and more.

  • Consider CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason)

  • Add flexibility by covering up to 80% of prepaid costs for any cancellation reason.

FAQs About Travel Insurance

  • How much does travel insurance cost?
  • Typically 4%-12% of trip costs (e.g., $200-$600 for a $5,000 trip).

  • When should I buy travel insurance?

  • As soon as you book your trip for maximum coverage duration.

  • Is travel insurance worth it?

  • Yes, especially for costly trips or international travel where health insurance may not apply.

  • Do I need medical coverage abroad?

  • Most U.S. health plans don't apply overseas; ensure travel insurance covers medical emergencies.

Alternatives to Travel Insurance

  • Credit Card Travel Insurance: Often includes cancellation, delay, and baggage coverage.
  • Membership Programs: Annual plans offering medical evacuation and translation services.
  • Airline or Cruise Add-Ons: Limited coverage directly through providers for cancellations or baggage.

Plan your trip confidently with the right travel insurance!


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1. Allianz Global Assistance

  • Highlights: Extensive history in the industry; partners with airlines and hotels.
  • Coverage: Medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage issues, emergency evacuations.
  • Best For: Travelers seeking a trusted, established provider.

2. Travelex Insurance Services

  • Highlights: Offers customizable plans for different travel needs.
  • Coverage: Bankruptcy, terrorism, trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies.
  • Best For: Those wanting tailored travel insurance options.

3. American Express Travel Insurance

  • Highlights: Customizable policies; wide range of financial and insurance services.
  • Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip delays, lost baggage.
  • Best For: Frequent travelers and AMEX cardholders.

4. APRIL International

  • Highlights: Present in 37 countries; offers single-trip and multi-trip plans.
  • Coverage: Medical, trip cancellation, baggage loss, death/disability.
  • Best For: International travelers needing comprehensive coverage.

5. Travel Guard

  • Highlights: Serves millions of travelers annually; over 25 years of experience.
  • Coverage: International policies for medical, trip interruptions, and baggage issues.
  • Best For: Business and leisure travelers.

6. Travel Insured International

  • Highlights: Works with 1,500+ travel agencies; offers extensive coverage options.
  • Coverage: Trip delays, medical evacuation, lost or damaged baggage.
  • Best For: Travelers booking through agencies.

7. Trip Mate Insurance

  • Highlights: Pioneered pre-existing condition waivers.
  • Coverage: Trip cancellation, pre-existing conditions, baggage issues.
  • Best For: Travelers with pre-existing health conditions.

8. TravelSafe Insurance

  • Highlights: Industry leader since 1971; offers several unique packages.
  • Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip delays, cancellations.
  • Best For: Travelers looking for trusted, long-standing insurers.

9. TripInsurance.com

  • Highlights: Direct-to-consumer rates for better value.
  • Coverage: Trip cancellations, medical expenses, baggage loss.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking competitive pricing.

Types of Travel Insurance

  • Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Reimburses prepaid travel expenses for covered cancellations (e.g., illness, family emergencies).

  • Trip Interruption Insurance

  • Covers costs if a trip is disrupted mid-journey due to illness, injury, or natural disasters.

  • Emergency Medical Expense Coverage

  • Pays for medical and dental emergencies while traveling.

  • Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

  • Covers transport costs (ambulance, helicopter, or plane) during medical emergencies.

  • Trip Delay Coverage

  • Reimburses costs for meals, accommodations, and transport during delays.

  • Baggage Insurance

  • Covers lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and associated expenses.

What's Covered by Travel Insurance?

  • Medical emergencies and evacuations.
  • Trip cancellations or interruptions.
  • Delayed or lost baggage.
  • Trip delays (meals, hotels, transport).
  • Emergency dental treatment.

What's Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

  • Known events (e.g., hurricanes already forecasted).
  • Acts of war or government restrictions.
  • High-risk activities (unless explicitly included).
  • Routine medical care or pregnancy-related issues.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Plan

  • Assess Medical Coverage
  • Ensure limits meet your needs, especially for international trips.

  • Evaluate Risks

  • For complex trips (e.g., cruises, multiple connections), prioritize coverage for delays and missed excursions.

  • Check Coverage Limits

  • Compare baggage, medical, and trip interruption coverage across plans.

  • Look for Assistance Services

  • Opt for policies offering 24/7 travel assistance for medical emergencies, lost passports, and more.

  • Consider CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason)

  • Add flexibility by covering up to 80% of prepaid costs for any cancellation reason.

FAQs About Travel Insurance

  • How much does travel insurance cost?
  • Typically 4%-12% of trip costs (e.g., $200-$600 for a $5,000 trip).

  • When should I buy travel insurance?

  • As soon as you book your trip for maximum coverage duration.

  • Is travel insurance worth it?

  • Yes, especially for costly trips or international travel where health insurance may not apply.

  • Do I need medical coverage abroad?

  • Most U.S. health plans don't apply overseas; ensure travel insurance covers medical emergencies.

Alternatives to Travel Insurance

  • Credit Card Travel Insurance: Often includes cancellation, delay, and baggage coverage.
  • Membership Programs: Annual plans offering medical evacuation and translation services.
  • Airline or Cruise Add-Ons: Limited coverage directly through providers for cancellations or baggage.

Plan your trip confidently with the right travel insurance!


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

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