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Even occasional travelers know how unpredictable trip planning can be. You could spend months planning the perfect itinerary only to get sick or have a family emergency, or it could be something pleasant like a new family member or wedding causing you to cancel your trip.
Best Travel Insurance
Nationwide Travel Insurance: Best Overall
AXA Assistance USA: Runner-Up
Travel Guard: Best for Cruises
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best Reputation
Tin Leg: Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions
WorldTrips Travel Insurance: Best for Digital Nomads
Trawick International Travel Insurance: Best Low-Cost Option
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Best Overall
Insider’s Take
Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A-
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
4.5 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
Annual travel insurance plans available
Strong trip cancellation coverage
Cancel for any reason coverage available
Cons
CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer
Highlights
More Information
Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Well-Rounded Alternative
Insider’s Take
AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
Editor's Rating
4.17/5
4.17 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Generous medical evacuation coverage
Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
Cons
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%
Highlights
More Information
Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A
Editor's Rating
3.83/5
3.83 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans)
Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
Includes COVID coverage
Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
High medical evacuation coverage
Cons
Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors
Highlights
More Information
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions
Insider’s Take
Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
874
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Editor's Rating
4.33/5
4.33 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
Cons
Limited add-on coverage options
Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors
Highlights
More Information
Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Best for Backpackers, Study-Abroad Students, and Digital Nomads
Insider’s Take
WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A
Editor's Rating
4.83/5
4.83 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
Insurance plans available for international student travelers
Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
Cons
Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.
Highlights
More Information
Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Best Low-Cost Option
Insider’s Take
Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Editor's Rating
4.33/5
4.33 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
10-day free look option
Generous baggage loss replacement policy
Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
Cons
Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims
Highlights
More Information
Travel medical insurance
Trip protection and cancellation
International student insurance
Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Best for Road Trips
Insider’s Take
Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.
Details
Features & Discounts
Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Editor's Rating
4.33/5
4.33 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Options to cover sports equipment
Option to increase medical coverage
Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
Cons
Only two insurance plans to choose from
CFAR coverage only reimburses up to 50% of total trip costs
Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage
Highlights
More Information
Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000
Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000
There isn't one best travel insurance company; there are many great providers on the travel insurance market today. Our overall winner was Nationwide for its breadth of coverage options. AIG Travel Guard, AXA, Berkshire Hathaway, Tin Leg, WorldTrips and Trawick also made the cut. The best pick for you will depend on what features you value the most, like a low premium or high coverage limits.
What does a travel insurance plan cover?
A comprehensive travel insurance plan will cover your financial expenses for various situations that may go awry. This could include trip cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage delay and loss, and medical coverage, especially when traveling overseas.
Do I need travel insurance?
If you're hesitant about your plans, purchasing an upgrade to cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage or "cancel for work reasons" can be a good way to buy yourself peace of mind.
Which international travel insurance is best?
The best international travel insurance isn't necessarily different from the best travel insurance for travel in the US, since the top providers offer strong customer support no matter what time zone you're in. For example, Berkshire Hathaway allows travelers to file claims quickly and directly through a smartphone app for fast processing and payment. However, we recommend looking at the current requirements of your destination country, how long you plan to be on the road, and other factors. And read our guide to the best international travel insurance companies for more info.
Is it worth it to get travel insurance?
Travel insurance went from being a "nice to have" to a "must have" for many travelers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many insurance providers now offer COVID-related coverage, which can greatly increase your peace of mind in case you need to cancel, quarantine or modify your trip.
Which travel insurance is best for the USA?
Depending on where you go, the travel insurance provided by your credit card may be sufficient for low-risk trips across the United States. But if you plan to do any activities such as hiking, or have a multi-activity itinerary where you might lose money if you miss a leg of travel, it might make sense to purchase an independent travel insurance plan that can pay for any rebooking or medical expenses you might incur.
How do I find the right travel insurance?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.
Travel Insurance Company Reviews
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their 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.
AXA Assistance USA 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 credit cards with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.
Travel Guard 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 to be bolstered with medical upgrades.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection helps travelers make the best of bad situations by simplifying the process of filing a claim down to a simple photo snap and some basic paperwork submitted directly through a dedicated app.
Approved claims are also paid out very rapidly, making it easier to carry through with a trip when luggage has been lost or alternative travel plans need to be made on the fly.
Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. 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.
WorldTrips Travel Insurance 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.
Trawick International Travel Insurance is another medically robust insurance provider that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.
The Travelex American plan is meant for trips limited to the US, 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 US 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.
Believe it or not, several credit cards on the market today provide robust travel insurance coverage that can sometimes rival the plans offered by our top-pick providers.
The travel insurance provision on the best credit cards for travel insurance can yield up to $3,000 per trip for lost or damaged baggage; stipends for baggage or travel delays as short as six hours; anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per trip for canceled, nonrefundable travel such as flights or hotels; and primary rental car coverage.
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' difference apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers stronger customer service and has been favorably reviewed by other travelers, particularly if they have undertaken similar trips to yours.
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.
Questions about Travel Insurance? Check Out Personal Finance Insider's Recent Study
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose The Best Travel Insurance Companies
To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:
Policy Types
Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. 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 5 stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.
Our 2022 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.
Cost
According to the US 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.
Katherine Fan is passionate about empowering people through personal finance and travel education. She is an editor at Upgraded Points and has published more than 1,500 articles and guides for NerdWallet, The Points Guy, CreditCards.com, and Bankrate in addition to Insider.
Lina Roby (she/her) was a Personal Finance Insurance editor at Insider. She covered pet, travel, auto, and other common insurance products. She is also a licensed property & casualty insurance agent. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions for all their insurance needs and plan for the unexpected, especially in a constantly evolving insurance marketplace. As a licensed insurance agent, she worked closely with clients and insurance carriers to quote and bind homeowners, auto, liability, and other insurance plans for personal and business. As a licensed mortgage loan originator, she was also able to more effectively quote and bind homeowners insurance policies meeting mortgage lender requirements. With a love for writing, she has also assisted with marketing for her local insurance marketplace.
Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Insider readers already know and love.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.Before joining Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries. Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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