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How to get the best travel insurance

Find the best travel insurance coverage, companies, policies and price

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Megan Shepherd
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The best travel insurance policy differs by traveler and trip. But key strategies can help you narrow down the type and amount of coverage you need while taking in the sites and adventures of the world.

Best travel insurance companies

  • Best overall: RoamRight
  • Best cheap coverage: Travelex
  • Best customization: Allianz
  • Best medical coverage: Seven Corners
RoamRight Elite Travel Insurance Plan logo
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RoamRight Elite Travel Insurance Plan

Yes
Cancel for any reason
100%
Trip cancellation reimbursement
$50,000
Emergency medical expenses
$2,500
Luggage replacement coverage
RoamRight scores highly for customer satisfaction, coverage and policy options. Even the most basic plans include trip cancellation, delay and interruption, missed connections and baggage delays or losses. You can also add on coverage or get policies for accidental death and dismemberment, multiple trips, sporting activities, adventure activities, medical costs, rental car damage and cancel for any reason.
Travelex Travel Select logo
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Travelex Travel Select

Yes
Cancel for any reason
100%
Trip cancellation reimbursement
$50,000
Emergency medical expenses
$1,000
Luggage replacement coverage
Travelex lets you choose between basic and premium policies, with policies customized for students, business travelers, cruisers and more. All plans include coverage for trip cancellation, delay or interruptions, travel assistance, baggage delays and emergency medical evacutaion. You can also find plans with coverage for missed cruise connections, no deductibles, pre-existing conditions waivers, accidental death and dismemberment and rental car damage. Travelex has one of the shortest lists of exclusions to boot.
Allianz Travel OneTrip Premier Plan logo
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Allianz Travel OneTrip Premier Plan

Yes
Cancel for any reason
100%
Trip cancellation reimbursement
$50,000
Emergency medical expenses
$2,000
Luggage replacement coverage
With Allianz, you can choose a policy that caters to your budget and how you like to travel. You can find unique policies for international vs domsetic travel, single vs annual trips and three levels of coverage for most plans. Policies can include trip cancellation, interruption and delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, accidental death and dismemberment, baggage delay or loss, missed connections and change fees.
Seven Corners Trip Protection Insurance logo
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Seven Corners Trip Protection Insurance

Yes
Cancel for any reason
100%
Trip cancellation reimbursement
$250,000
Emergency medical expenses
$2,500
Luggage replacement coverage
Seven Corners is one of only a handful of travel insurers covering the coronavirus. The liason travel plus policy covers illnesses and injuries, including up to $100,000 in medical expenses if you contract the coronavirus outside your home country. You'll also have up to $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage if you're required to be transported to an appropriate medical facility. And you can also get emergency dental coverage up to $750, which is often excluded from other travel policies.

How to choose the best travel insurance company

Finding a top insurer that meets your travel needs comes down to your own coverage requirements and budget. Look for a company that answers six crucial questions.

  • Wide range of options. If you plan to set sail on the wide, open sea, look for cruise insurance. Hitting the slopes? Get ski coverage. Most leading brands offer policies geared toward specific types of travel, including adventure sports and business travel.
  • Flexible coverage. If you’re not sure how your travel plans will unfold, it’s worth looking for a policy that allows for adjustments to your policy both before and during your vacation. You may want to add or remove family members to your policy, increase coverage as you upgrade your itinerary or extend your policy while overseas.
  • Trustworthy brand. Get coverage that’s backed by a highly regarded underwriter and claims team to ensure you receive adequate emergency assistance with swift, efficient claims.
  • Good customer service. Search online sites and forums to learn what customers say, and read reviews from a variety of sources to help you make an informed decision.
  • 24/7 support. Major insurers have their own 24/7 emergency assistance team to provide overseas and domestic support when needed. Make sure that you can contact the insurer any time of day to speak with a representative — even through live chat.

What’s the best travel insurance policy?

The best way to find travel insurance that fits your plans and budget is by comparing policies from different insurers. After you’ve determined the coverage you need, you can narrow down the cheapest deal you’re eligible for.

    • Family coverage. Most policies allow you to include your spouse, children or grandchildren on your policy if they’re traveling with you for the duration of the journey.
    • Pre-existing conditions. Not all insurers treat pre-existing medical conditions the same. Your policy’s description should clearly state what’s covered. If your condition isn’t, contact the insurer to discuss other options.
    • Expensive items. Many policies allow you to register high-value items for additional coverage, but know the sublimit for each. You may find that you have $10,000 in coverage but a claim limit of $1,500 per item.
    • Deductible waiver. Most policies allow you to pay a small fee to waive the deductible you’d pay after a claim. With fees as low as $25, it’s worth considering while applying.
    • Multiple destinations. Ensure all of the destinations you’re visiting are covered in your policy, if you’re not sure, call your insurance company to confirm.
    • Fine print. Carefully read the fine print to avoid paying for coverage you don’t need, and ask about exclusions to make sure each country, adventure and stay on your itinerary is included.

What do the best policies cover?

Read up on common features of travel insurance policies — and essential extras —to find a policy that fits the bill.

FeatureHow can it help me?
Overseas hospital expensesCovers expenses if you have an accident or fall ill overseas. Look for a policy with a high limit for emergency medical and dental.
24-hour emergency assistancePays for ambulance fees, funeral arrangements and messages to family, no matter what time of day or night.
Luggage and personal itemsCovers costs that arise if your bags or belongings are lost or damaged while traveling.
CancellationCovers expenses related cancellations of flights, tours and other prepaid travel. Conditions for cancellations vary among insurers, so read the fine print.
Travel delaysCovers you if a flight is delayed for 12 hours or more.
Family emergencyCovers additional expenses related to traveling and accommodations if your traveling partner becomes seriously ill or injured.
DentalPays for dental services if you experience acute pain while traveling.
Hospital cash allowanceProvides a cash benefit for a specific number of days if you’re required to stay in hospital while overseas.
Accidental deathA lump sum benefit paid for accidental death that occurs on your journey or within the 12-month period that follows.
Loss of incomePays a benefit to help you cope with bills that result from an injury or illness while on your trip that keeps you from working once home.
FraudCovers replacement costs following the loss and use of your credit card on your journey.
Alternative transportCompensates you for additional transportation to a wedding, funeral, conference or other select events you take because of a delay.
Personal liabilityCovers legal liability for any claims made against you following bodily injury or damage to property. Be wary low-cost travel insurance policies that offer too low a limit to reasonably cover common situations.
Rental vehicle deductiblesPays for deductibles on a rental car following a crash, damage or theft.

Compare travel insurance policies

Name Product Trip Cancellation Emergency Medical Expenses Baggage Coverage Trip Delay
Travelex Travel Basic
Travelex Travel Basic
100%
$15,000
$500
$500
Essential travel coverage — with the option to customize — that can protect the cost of your trip.
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View details
Travelex Flight Insure
Travelex Flight Insure
$10,000
$1,000
$100
Protect the cost of your flight and choose the coverage amount that meets your needs — trip delay protection included.
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View details
RoamRight Essential Travel Insurance Plan
RoamRight Essential Travel Insurance Plan
100%
$15,000
$750
$500
Basic policy with coverage that includes trip cancellation insurance, tourist health insurance and baggage insurance.
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View details
Travel Guard Silver
Travel Guard Silver
100%
$15,000
$750
$500
Budget-friendly coverage with basic travel protections that include trip cancellation and trip interruption.
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