Travel Insurance Finder

Our travel insurance experts have spent hundreds of hours analyzing travel protection, digging in to the fine print and policy language to unravel what you’re covered for in plain words. We lay out the types of policies and features each company offers, complete with our expert take on its standout features, benefits and drawbacks.

How to compare travel insurance

When you’re shopping for coverage, take on these tips to make sure you have enough protection:

• Get your coverage early. Take out coverage as soon as you’ve paid for any part of your trip and decided your final trip dates. Certain coverage require that you’ve held the policy for a minimum amount of time, generally between seven to 14 days. This affects coverages such as CFAR and financial default.
• Evaluate how much coverage you already have. Does your homeowners insurance offer coverage for your belongings? Does your credit card provide some travel insurance? Take into account how much coverage you already have to determine how much more you may need.
• Don’t skimp on overseas medical. If you’re heading overseas, make sure the policy offers a high level of medical coverage.
• Consider the full cost of your trip. Consider having enough coverage for your transportation costs, luggage, accommodations and other costs.
• Watch for exclusions. Make sure you have coverage for all the countries you’re visiting and any pre-existing conditions, and that you’ve considered the travel risks at your destination. Also consider the age of the travelers, since people over the age of 65 might face extra restrictions or exclusions.
• Check cruise coverage. While cruise coverage can be expensive, it could be worth it. Evacuation at sea can be expensive.
• Read your policy details. Every policy is different. Even if you’ve bought travel insurance before, there may be slight variations in coverage or exclusions.

Some of the top travel insurance companies we compare

How much does travel insurance cost?

The average cost of travel insurance is around $200. The price of your policy comes down to a range of factors, including:

• The cst of your trip. This is the biggest factor in the cost of your policy. You’d likely want more coverage for an expensive trip overseas to cover the high price of a ticket and several days of sightseeing. But you can cut costs in the right ways; for example, if you’re traveling light, opt for a policy with a lower luggage benefit, and if you’re older and have health issues, you may need a policy with higher medical benefits.
• Your age. Age is the other major factor when it comes to the cost of travel insurance. The older you are, the more risk you pose to an insurer, resulting in increased premiums.
• Destinations. Your destination will impact the cost of your coverage depending on its perceived risk to the insurer.
• How long you’ll be gone. The longer you’re away, the more risk you pose to an insurer.
• Number of travelers. The number of travelers increases the cost of your premium. Some insurers offer discounts for insuring multiple travelers on one policy. Always check with your insurer before buying a policy.

What are the different types of travel insurance policies?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of travel insurance: Single trip and annual policies.

• Single trip coverage. This policy type covers you for one continuous journey, which can include multiple destinations. Coverage ends once you return home.
• Annual or multi trip coverage. Annual policies provide you with protection for multiple trips throughout a 12-month period.
• International. If you’re heading abroad for your next vacation, compare international insurance policies. Be sure the policy covers the region you’re traveling to.
• Domestic. Domestic travel insurance provides you with coverage for traveling around the US. However, most policies require that you travel at least 100 miles away from home.
• Comprehensive. Comprehensive plans cover trip cancellation or delay, baggage delay and loss and trip interruption, as well as medical and medical evacuation. Insurers generally offer basic, mid-range and high-end plans.
• Cruise. Some comprehensive policies cover cruises as standard. Other insurers require you either get a cruise-specific insurance policy or add a cruise option to your existing policy.
• Medical. Medical only is great for people who only want to pay for the cost of emergency medical expenses.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR). CFAR is generally an add on for a comprehensive policy. By paying an additional premium, CFAR lets you cancel your trip at any time and for any reason. Benefits generally range from 50% to 75% of your lost prepaid travel expenses.

What does travel insurance cover?

Many travel insurance policies coverage these situations and events:

• Trip cancellation. If you’re forced to cancel your trip, trip cancellation reimburses your lost, prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Most insurers have a list of approved reasons for cancellations.
• Trip interruption. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to cut your trip short and return home, if your reason is covered by your insurance you’ll be reimbursed for the unused, non-refundable part of your trip and the additional or increased transportation expenses.
• Travel delay. This provides reimbursement for additional accommodation and travel expenses because of a delay of six hours or more.
• Cancelation for any reason. Most insurance providers offer CFAR for an additional feature. This coverage lets you cancel your trip for any reason before your trip begins. If you’re worried about civil unrest, changed your mind or if you become sick, coverage provides a reimbursement of around 50% to 75% of your non-refundable, pre-paid travel costs.
• Missed connection. If you miss a scheduled cruise or flight, missed connection coverage reimburses any resulting expenses.
• Lost luggage. Provides a benefit for lost, damaged or or stolen luggage and other personal effects.
• Baggage delay. Coverage reimburses when you buy essential items if your luggage is delayed for 24 hours or more.
• Medical. Coverage for necessary emergency medical expenses incurred during your trip.
• Dental. Depending on your policy, this will cover emergency dental work.
• Pre-existing conditions. Some insurers will offer medical coverage if you have a pre-existing condition, as long as you haven’t shown symptoms.
• Evacuation. If you’re in need of emergency medical transportation due to an illness or injury, you’re covered for transportation to the nearest hospital or appropriate facility.
• Accidental death. Accidental death coverage provides a benefit for your named beneficiary if you suffer an injury or accidental death during a trip.
• 24 hour assistance. Make sure your policy offers 24 hour worldwide assistance. This way, no matter what the situation there’ll always be someone there to lend a helping hand.

Travel insurance vs airline insurance

While airline policies are cheap, they don’t provide much in the way of coverage. They can also be more expensive than going directly to the insurer. Compare the difference in coverage when buying from an airline rather than by going direct, even from the same underwriter:

• How we got these rates

  The sample quotes cover:

  • Destination: Domestic
  • Number of travelers: One
  • Age of traveler: 30 years old
  • State: California
  • Length of trip: Six days
  • Trip cost: $600

What’s not covered by travel insurance?

Every travel insurance policy has exclusions, which are situations when the insurer won’t provide coverage. These are the most common exclusions:

• Claims for intentional bodily harm, including suicide
• Losses due to adverse weather conditions, if you cancel your trip
• Losses incurred while you were participating in an unlawful act
• Losses that are the result of your participation in an extreme sport
• Claims for travel losses where the purpose of the trip was to receive medical treatment abroad
• Claims for situations where you didn’t do everything within your power to reduce or mitigate your losses
• Losses related to war, military actions, civil disorder and riots
• Claims relating to mental, psychological or nervous disorders
• Claims relating to existing medical conditions, though some offer waivers, so check with your provider
• Losses sustained while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Losses due to venereal disease, AIDS, pregnancy or abortion
• Claims for nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination

Bottom line

Buying travel insurance is an essential part of trip planning. Travel can be unpredictable, and the right policy can cover you in case you run into any unexpected events while you’re away from home. There are a variety of policies to choose from, so compare travel insurance companies to get the coverage you need at the best possible price.

Common questions about travel insurance

• Do I need to buy everyone traveling a separate policy?

  No. Depending on who you’re traveling with, you may be able cover everyone on one policy. There are several types of coverage including single, couple, family and group policies, each with its own benefit.

• Are my kids covered?

  Yes. If you have young children, your kids are covered for free by your travel insurance. Once they are no longer dependents — over 21 years old— you can still get coverage on a family policy.

• Can my partner and I get joint coverage?

  It depends. If the two of you cohabitate, you can be covered on the same policy. However, conditions vary from state to state.

• My friends and I are planning a joint trip. Can we all get covered on the one policy?

  Maybe. For group insurance, you’ll need to contact the insurer to make sure you’re eligible for this type of coverage. For instance, most states have their own travel insurance regulations so you all have to be from the same state.

• Do I already have coverage?

  You might if you already pay for other types of insurance or plan to rent a car:

  • Home insurance. Many home contents insurance policies include a clause that insures your personal possessions when you’re away from home.
  • Life insurance. If you die overseas, the proceeds from your life insurance policy can be used to bring your body back home. You may also have permanent disability cover and other types of protection that can be called on to pay hospitalization or repatriation costs if you become ill or injured while away.
  • Car rental coverage. You may already have a comprehensive car insurance policy in place that covers you for expenses if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
  • Credit card. Some credit cards also come with travel insurance. For example, there are several business cards that offer coverage for the frequent traveler.

• Is the travel insurance on my credit card enough?

  It depends on your travel plans and your credit card provider. Many US credit cards provide complimentary travel insurance, but check the coverage quality and level of benefits. Basic coverage generally provides financial protection if you become seriously injured in an accident while traveling.

• I am backpacking and don't know how long or where I will be travelling. What are my options?

  If you’re a backpacker it pays to check out any limitations on the length of time you’re covered for. Most insurers put a limit of 31 days on a trip and if you’re a backpacker who isn’t quite sure how long you’ll be staying, this could be quite a restrictive option. A way around this is to seek out specialist backpacker, long stay or gap travel insurance. These policies usually cover you from three to 18 months across many countries.

• Do I need basic or comprehensive coverage?

  Most policies will give you the option to select a basic travel insurance policy or comprehensive cover. Each will offer varying levels of coverage with premiums higher for comprehensive coverage. Deciding what option is right for you is a matter of:

  • Considering your travel plans and what you actually need to be covered for.
  • Considering what other forms of insurance or compensation you are entitled to.
  • Reviewing the deductible for claims on basic policies.
  • Considering your budget. While it is not ideal to base your decision on the premium charged, price may be an important consideration for some buyers.

• Why do I need to take out travel insurance?

  Without travel insurance you could find yourself in a very difficult position when it comes to paying for the costs that result from situations such as lost or stolen luggage and medical or dental emergencies. Getting the top travel insurance you can afford may help to minimise these costs.

• What sorts of issues does standard travel insurance cover?

  Basic travel insurance does not tend to cover specialist needs such as extreme sports , traveling while pregnant or pre-existing illnesses. However, it does usually offer valuable protection in events such as:

  • Medical illness or emergency
  • Your luggage and personal effects lost or damaged
  • Airline or travel company issues
  • Cancellations

• Can I get specialist travel insurance?

  You may have special needs that require more coverage than a standard travel insurance policy. For example, you may need coverage for extreme sports, pregnancy or pre-existing medical conditions. To ensure your needs are met you should check the policy descriptions of the plans you are considering. If you have any questions about the coverage, contact the insurer to clear up any queries you may have.

• What if I need travel insurance for a cruise?

  You can search for travel insurance for cruises. Make sure you are covered for all of the places you are visiting, and where applicable, the various activities you will be taking part in. Many insurers do offer cruise travel insurance policies.

• How much will I have to pay for travel insurance?

  The cost of travel insurance is based on a number of factors. Comparing deals and top travel insurance policies enables you to try and find the most affordable travel insurance. Some of the things that may affect the cost of your travel insurance cover include:

  • The level of coverage you take out.
  • The provider you choose.
  • Whether you have any specialist needs.
  • The destination.
  • The length of time you’ll be traveling.
  • Whether you take out single trip, multitrip, family or group travel insurance.
  • Your medical history and general health.
  • Your age when you travel.
  • The type of activities you will be taking part in while you are away.

• Does my travel insurance provide protection for day trips and excursions while I am away?

  Some travel insurance brands offer protection for various excursions and day trips. You should always check with your specific provider if it is not made clear in the policy.

• Why go online to buy travel insurance?

  The easiest way to find travel insurance that’s affordable and suits your needs is by comparing deals online. There many choice available online, which means that you have a better chance of finding cover that suits both your needs and budget. Compare travel insurance plans and providers if you want to get the right plan at the right price.

• When is the best time to take out travel insurance?

  As soon as you’ve booked and paid for your trip. This way, you’re covered for cancellations or if your travel company or airline goes out of business, helping you to get back your prepaid costs and deposits.

• What is the deductible on travel insurance?

  The deductible on any insurance policy is the amount that you’ll pay before you receive any payout. So, if your deductible is $300 and you claim for $1,000, you will only receive $700 because the first $300 will come from your pocket. You’ll find that there’s a higher deductible for cheap travel insurance policies than those that are more expensive.

• Can I extend my travel insurance policy?

  Annual trip policies are only available for a period of 12 months so it’s not possible to extend coverage beyond this period. Single trip policies can be extended by contacting your insurer and requesting the necessary policy extension documentation. Single trip policies can be extended provided the cover does not surpass 12 months in total.