Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
What Is Travel Medical Insurance?
International travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that can help cover the cost of medical care abroad. If you’re on vacation and suffer a sudden injury or illness, you may need to receive care from a local facility, which your domestic health insurance might not cover. Depending on your location, you might even require transportation to a more advanced facility via Helivac or other specialized medical transport.
Without travel medical insurance, coverage is up to the discretion of your health insurance provider. If not covered, you could accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills by the time you return home, especially if you need emergency medical evacuation services. If you have a travel insurance plan with medical coverage, your insurance provider will cover certain expenses up to your coverage maximum.
“International travel presents several risks, ranging from having passports and other valuables stolen to experiencing health-related problems that require immediate medical attention or having your travel plans disrupted,” said Lisa Gardner, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of actuarial science at Drake University.
How Travel Medical Insurance Works
When you get sick or injured in a foreign country, you will typically be transported to the nearest facility for care. Like other types of travel insurance, travel medical coverage typically works on a reimbursement-based model, meaning you will have to pay the initial medical bill upfront.
So if you end up visiting a hospital or other medical facility, it’s important to keep documentation of all medical expenses you incur while on your trip so you can file a claim.
Each travel insurance provider has its own process for claims and reimbursement of medical expenses, but our research has shown that most methods are similar.
Filing a Medical Expense Insurance Claim
You’ll likely file a travel medical insurance claim in one of two ways — through your provider’s claims portal on its website or mobile app if available. Not every provider covered in this review has a mobile app, but we’ve found that Allianz, Seven Corners, GeoBlue and Faye do. We recommend filing your claim in the way that makes you most comfortable submitting documentation related to your medical care.
Once you file your claim, you’ll wait to hear whether it’s been approved or denied. Depending on the provider, this could take several days or even a week. If necessary, your insurer may ask for additional information before approval. Once your claim is approved, your travel medical insurance provider will reimburse you for covered expenses.
Of the 37 respondents in our 2024 travel insurance survey who filed a travel insurance claim for a medical need, only one was denied due to pre-existing medical conditions. Most of those respondents were reimbursed $2,001 to $5,000.
Medical Claim Reimbursements
While it’s common practice within the U.S. for medical facilities to bill your insurance provider directly, travel health insurance for international trips typically require that you pay for medical services abroad at the time of service. Then, your travel medical plan will reimburse the covered amount post-treatment. Based on our research, you can choose between receiving a check in the mail or a direct deposit.
Again, circumstances and procedures will vary by the travel insurance company, so reading the fine print of your policy documents is important. This will ensure you are fully informed about how reimbursement works with your chosen travel medical provider.
Example: Visitor Breaks Leg While Hiking in Spain
During a trip to Barcelona in Spain, John decided to take a day trek to Montserrat to hike up to the monastery and chapel at the top of the mountain. Due to the steep mountainside terrain, John slips and falls, breaking his leg. Because of his location, John needed emergency transport to the nearest hospital for evaluation.
To facilitate evacuation, John called his travel insurer’s 24/7 emergency hotline and allowed the representative to arrange transportation. Once he arrived at the hospital, John received X-rays and treatment for a broken leg, amounting to around $20,000 U.S. dollars. Our team estimated the following expenses using average cost profiles provided by the National Accident Helpline and Medjet.
| Medical Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Treatment for a broken leg | $20,000 |
| Medical evacuation and transportation | $80,000 |
| Total | $100,000 |
Based on a sample travel medical policy with IMG, specifically the Patriot Platinum plan, John paid the following out-of-pocket after filling a travel medical insurance claim:
| Travel Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Coverage maximum | $1 million |
| Deductible | $500 |
| Policy cost | $224 |
| Total out-of-pocket costs | $724 |
Because John chose IMG’s Patriot Platinum travel medical policy, the treatments he needed while in the hospital were covered up to the maximum limit. In addition, the 24/7 assistance he received helped get him to a hospital within IMG’s proprietary network of medical facilities that support direct billing arrangements. This minimized the upfront expenses John paid, allowing him to focus on his rest and recovery.
Travel Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
A travel medical insurance policy provides a limited range of benefits that can help cover the costs of emergency medical bills incurred while traveling.
Medical-only policies are typically more affordable than full travel insurance but will not provide trip delay and interruption benefits. For example, if you get sick on vacation and must go home, medical-only insurance will not compensate you for nonrefundable flights or hotel costs.
The table below summarizes the types of coverage you can expect from travel medical insurance policies versus a complete travel insurance plan.
| Coverage Type | Travel Medical Insurance | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | X | ✓ |
| Trip interruption and delay | X | ✓ |
| Dental coverage benefits | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency medical evacuation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lost luggage | X | ✓ |
| 24-hour assistance services | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental car coverage | X | ✓ |
The coronavirus pandemic shifted how most people travel worldwide, and travel insurance companies now typically include COVID-19 coverage within plans. Most reputable travel medical insurance companies list COVID-19 as a covered reason for medical coverage. If you are worried about the virus while traveling, we recommend reading your provider’s sample policy to ensure COVID-19 coverage is eligible for reimbursement.
Sixty percent of the 1,000 survey respondents in our 2024 travel insurance survey would recommend a comprehensive travel policy with medical coverage, cancellation, baggage and more to a friend.
What Does Travel Health Insurance Cover?
To help you better understand what international travel health insurance coverage offers, we’ve provided example scenarios in which a traveler may or may not qualify for reimbursement.
| Coverage Type | Example | Covered Services | Coverage Amount | Covered by Travel Medical Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | You need to visit a hospital for an arm injury after falling on a hike in Brazil. | Hospitalizations, medications, X-rays and other necessary treatments | Up to $2 million | ✓ |
| Emergency evacuation | You were skiing in Switzerland and crashed, requiring an airlift to a major hospital for emergency surgery.* | Evacuation, surgery and other necessary treatments | $500k–unlimited | ✓ |
| Emergency dental | You were walking on a busy street in Paris and fell and chipped your tooth. | Dental work such as an exam, crowns, broken teeth, novocaine and more | Up to $500 (unless included in medical expense maximums) | ✓ |
| Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) | The policyholder and other covered persons die or lose a limb while traveling. | Accidental death or loss of a limb | Up to $50k | ✓ |
| Hazardous activities | You broke your leg while rock climbing in Spain and need to see a doctor. | Emergency room visits, surgery, cast and other required treatments | Up to $25k | Varies** |
| Trip interruption | There is a family emergency that requires you to cut your vacation short and return home. | Hotel stays, plane tickets, transportation costs and other losses | 100%–200% of trip cost | X |
| Trip cancellation | You broke your hip before your departure and must cancel your trip. This coverage also applies to cancellations due to the death of travelers or family, inclement weather, jury duty and more. | Flight tickets, lodging and other prepaid, nonrefundable expenses | 100%–150% of trip cost | X |
| Baggage loss or delay | Your baggage was lost by your airline while flying to Japan. | Baggage and packed personal belongings | Up to $2k | X |
| Rentals | You accidentally hit a deer while driving in British Columbia and damaged your rental vehicle, or you accidentally broke a light fixture in your vacation rental. | Damage to your rental car or vacation rental | Up to $50k for car rentals or $3k for vacation rentals rental | X |
*To qualify for medical evacuation coverage, you must have documentation from medical facilities ordering the service.
**Not all travel insurance policies cover injuries resulting from hazardous activities. However, some providers will offer coverage as an add-on.
How Much Medical Coverage Do You Need?
Our research has found that purchasing at least $100,000 in travel medical expense coverage is sufficient for most travelers. However, how much medical coverage you need for your specific circumstances depends on factors such as your age, travel destination, itinerary, planned activities and more.
If you’re traveling to a remote area, have a pre-existing medical condition or plan on participating in adventure activities, you may have more peace of mind with higher coverage limits for emergency medical care. You might also consider a policy with medical evacuation insurance. According to Medjet, one in 30 trips end in a medical emergency — and with the average cost of medical transport alone costing up to $180,000, purchasing medical coverage with generous limits can save you monetarily in an emergency.
If you’re looking to compare travel medical insurance plans to find the right fit for your needs, it is important to understand the coverage maximums, exclusions and deductibles set forth by each insurer. This can help prevent surprises when filing a claim for medical expenses accrued during your trip.
Types of Travel Medical Insurance Plans
When searching for travel health insurance plans, you may encounter primary, secondary, single-trip, and multi-trip insurance policies. In the sections below, we will explore each of these and detail which policies are best for specific travelers.
Primary vs. Secondary Health Insurance
Some travel medical insurance providers offer both primary and secondary health insurance plans. Primary plans pay for medical expenses before any other coverage you might have. This is especially useful for travelers whose primary plans only cover medical care domestically.
However, if you already have health insurance that extends abroad, consider a secondary travel medical insurance plan. This plan requires your existing health policy to pay first. Once you’ve hit your limits through your primary insurer, a secondary plan should cover the rest.
Do I Need U.S. Health Insurance To Qualify for International Travel Health Insurance?
You do not need U.S.-based health insurance to obtain certain international travel health insurance policies, such as most single-trip plans. However, note that domestic health insurance typically does not cover medical expenses abroad. However, some providers, such as HTH Worldwide, have separate policies available to travelers with and without a primary health plan.
If you do not have U.S. health insurance, we recommend purchasing a primary travel medical insurance plan. We also recommend considering primary travel medical insurance if your standard health insurance lacks international coverage.
Single-Trip vs. Annual Travel Medical Insurance
As you shop for a travel medical insurance policy, you’ll likely come across single-trip and annual travel insurance policies. If you’re a frequent traveler and plan on taking multiple trips per year, you might consider annual travel medical insurance rather than a single-trip plan. Short-term medical insurance for international travel only covers you for one trip, with coverage ending once you return home. Annual travel insurance, also known as a multi-trip policy, typically covers policyholders planning to take several trips back-to-back, with coverage usually lasting up to a year.
If you travel often, annual travel medical coverage offers a cheaper and more convenient alternative to purchasing multiple single-trip policies. However, note that annual policies typically have per-trip or yearly coverage limits depending on the provider. These plans also lack trip cancellation insurance, rental car protection and baggage loss coverage, which you’ll often find with a comprehensive travel insurance policy with medical coverage.
We recommend comparing quotes from various providers and considering your situation and travel needs when deciding what’s most important to you in a travel medical insurance plan.
Long-Term Travel Health Insurance for Expats
If you plan to live and work abroad for more than a year, you may consider health insurance for expats over a standard travel insurance plan. These plans can provide long-term travel insurance coverage for individuals and family members living overseas, and you can renew coverage annually for as long as you’re abroad.
However, travel medical insurance policies can provide additional protection not typically found through a standard international health insurance plan, such as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. If you’re an expat who plans to travel between countries often, you may find a long-term travel insurance plan that covers trip interruption or baggage loss along with medical emergencies more ideal.
How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
When purchasing international travel medical insurance, you can expect to pay between 5% and 6% of your total trip cost. Based on quotes gathered by our team from two dozen travel insurers, the average cost of travel insurance ranges from $95 to $316. Travel insurance is not a “one price fits all” sort of coverage. Getting a quote is the best way to see how much a travel medical policy will cost you.
The table below breaks down the average travel medical plan cost from each travel insurance provider in this review. It also includes our recommendation for the best plan from each provider and the highest medical expense maximum offered.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
| Company |
Average Travel Medical Cost Our cost averages were found by averaging quotes for 8 trip types for all plans offered by each provider.
|
Best Medical Insurance Plan | Medical Expense Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$256
|
Travel Insurance Plan
|
$250,000
|
||
|
$224
|
iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic
|
$500,000
|
||
|
$42
|
Voyager Choice
|
$1,000,000
|
||
|
$237
|
Deluxe
|
$150,000
|
||
|
$275
|
OneTrip Premier
|
$750,000
|
||
|
$206
|
Trip Protection Choice
|
$500,000
|
| Company |
Average Travel Medical Cost Our cost averages were found by averaging quotes for 8 trip types for all plans offered by each provider.
|
Best Medical Insurance Plan | Medical Expense Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$256
|
Travel Insurance Plan
|
$250,000
|
||
|
$224
|
iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic
|
$500,000
|
||
|
$42
|
Voyager Choice
|
$1,000,000
|
||
|
$237
|
Deluxe
|
$150,000
|
||
|
$275
|
OneTrip Premier
|
$750,000
|
||
|
$206
|
Trip Protection Choice
|
$500,000
|
Understanding what international travel health insurance companies evaluate when pricing policies can help you get the most out of your coverage. The following are the biggest factors that influence travel insurance prices:
- Your age
- Trip duration
- Destination
- Coverage level
- Group size
Why Buy International Travel Medical Insurance?
If you’re on the fence about purchasing travel medical insurance, consider the financial and healthcare-related safety net it can provide as you travel. Our research has found that many domestic healthcare policies don’t extend coverage abroad. If you end up ill or injured while traveling internationally and lack insurance coverage, you are fully responsible for paying out-of-pocket for medical bills associated with your care.
Also consider your unique circumstances as a traveler, as your needs may differ from others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travel medical insurance policies may benefit travelers with pre-existing health conditions, participants in extreme or adventure sports — such as scuba diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping and windsurfing — and those studying abroad for a prolonged period. You may have a greater risk of needing healthcare in these scenarios, and travel medical insurance can protect you financially if an emergency arises.
While Americans may have medical coverage through their primary insurer while traveling domestically, benefits do not extend to citizens of other countries. If you’re a traveler visiting the U.S., we highly recommend purchasing a travel medical policy to avoid paying out-of-pocket for emergency medical bills. According to GoodRx, the average medical cost of an emergency room visit without insurance in the U.S. ranges from $2,400 to $2,600.
Who Doesn’t Need Travel Health Coverage?
You may not need travel medical insurance coverage if your primary health insurance plan provides coverage in other countries. However, this is likely only the case with private insurance plans. In addition, you could forego a travel medical plan if your credit card offers travel medical benefits.
If you have a credit card with travel benefits, check if you have travel medical coverage. Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, offer travel insurance coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions but not for medical emergencies.
When Is Travel Medical Insurance Required?
While some countries or visa requirements may mandate travel medical insurance, purchasing a policy is optional in many cases. To verify whether travel health insurance is required where you’re traveling, research your destination using the U.S. Department of State website, which maintains a list of entry requirements for U.S. passport holders and permanent residents.
Travel to the Schengen Region in Europe
Many countries, particularly those in the Schengen Area of Europe, require travelers to have sufficient travel insurance before issuing a visa. Even if travel medical insurance is not required, you may still choose to invest in some level of coverage. We recommend shopping for coverage at least one month before your trip to ensure the documentation arrives before your departure.
Use the dropdown menu below to find out more about specific travel insurance requirements in your destination country.
Select your destination
The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans of 2024
We chose our top picks for the best international travel medical insurance based on the emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation, pre-existing condition and COVID-19 coverage offered by each provider. We encourage you to consider what medical coverages are most important to you and fit your needs when shopping for a travel medical policy.
IMG Patriot Platinum: Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan
We named the Patriot Platinum policy from International Medical Group (IMG) our pick for the best travel medical insurance plan. Ideal for travelers looking for high medical coverage limits, this policy provides up to $8 million in maximum coverage for trips within the U.S. and internationally — more than any other provider we’ve chosen for this review. We also appreciate how this plan allows travelers the freedom and flexibility to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of their choice.
You’ll find coverage for pre-existing conditions, telehealth benefits and evacuation. Plus, coverage can transport you to an appropriate medical facility for treatment even if your condition isn’t life-threatening. While the Patriot Platinum plan offers little in the way of standard travel coverage, it provides an option to purchase a trip cancellation, interruption and travel delay rider if you’re planning a domestic trip.
IMG’s Patriot Platinum plan includes the following:
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Covers emergency care if a pre-existing condition becomes life-threatening or requires immediate treatment (not available for travelers over 70 years old)
- Medical deductible: $0–$25,000
- Medical expense maximum: Up to $8 million
- Evacuation maximum: Up to your chosen medical expense maximum
We recommend IMG travel insurance policies for travelers seeking higher-than-average medical coverage limits, as it offers the highest maximums out of the providers featured in this review.
Geoblue Voyager Choice: Best Medical-Only Travel Insurance Plan
GeoBlue, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), offers travel medical policies with limited trip coverage, which is why we named the Voyager Choice policy as the best medical-only travel insurance plan. While the insurer markets this policy as a premium plan, we found it the most budget-friendly option out of our top picks, with an average cost that’s 78% less than traditional travel insurance.
You’ll find up to $1 million in medical coverage and $500,000 in medical evacuation insurance through the Voyager Choice plan. It even offers up to $25,000 in coverage for hazardous activities. However, since this plan solely offers travel medical coverage, you won’t find trip protections such as trip cancellation or delay insurance. Note that some plans require a domestic health insurance policy to purchase, so those without coverage should look elsewhere.
We recommend GeoBlue for travelers looking to forgo trip protection for cancellations and delays, and those solely seeking travel medical coverage.
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Yes, if you have domestic health insurance
- Medical deductible: $0–$500
- Medical expense maximum: Up to $1 million
- Evacuation maximum: Up to $500,000
Seven Corners Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice: Best Health Insurance Plan for Visitors to the U.S.
Seven Corners provides a variety of highly customizable plan options, but we chose it as our pick for the best travel health insurance for U.S. visitors. The provider’s Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice plan is extendable for up to three years and offers a lifetime maximum coverage limit of $1 million, which makes it ideal for tourists or U.S. citizens looking for protection for family visiting from another country.
This policy supplies coverage for healthcare services such as hospital stays, surgeries, pre-existing conditions, medical evacuations and even protection for incidental trips to your home country. However, it’s worth noting that medical maximums available for this plan depend on your age, and each benefit through this policy has a monetary limit.
We recommend Seven Corners for international travelers looking at an extended stay in the U.S. and would like travel medical coverage for peace of mind.
- Pre-existing conditions coverage: $25,000–$75,000 (for travelers aged 79 and younger)
- Medical deductible: $0–$200
- Medical expense maximum: $1 million for the lifetime of the plan
- Evacuation maximum: $100,000 (separate from medical maximum)
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect International Health Insurance
Some travelers have pre-existing health conditions that could impact their travels. Life-long conditions such as asthma and diabetes or even a more recent diagnosis, such as high blood pressure, can affect your eligibility for international health insurance coverage.
A few providers will not offer travel medical insurance to people with pre-existing conditions to avoid responsibility for travelers with a greater risk of medical needs overseas. Most other companies ask you to sign a waiver before agreeing to cover potential medical bills related to recent or ongoing health issues. This waiver typically requires proof that you’re medically able to travel, so expect to provide a letter from your physician stating so.
We encourage you to read through your policy’s fine print to fully understand any requirements for travel coverage with pre-existing conditions. This way, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
ASK THE EXPERTS: Do you have tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions?
“When traveling internationally, review your medical insurance before you go. What does it cover? Does it cover overseas emergencies? If not then you are advised to purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Take a copy of your prescription [medication] with you and pack your meds in your hand luggage. Customs may want to talk to you about them, plus if your luggage gets delayed you have your meds with you. Bring enough for the duration of your stay and a few days extra in case of emergency delays.”
How To Purchase International Travel Health Insurance
Purchasing a travel health insurance plan is fairly straightforward across most providers, based on our experience. If you already know what you’re most concerned about regarding coverage, you can purchase a plan quickly by following the steps below, which we’ve outlined using IMG’s quote process.
Find Travel Medical Insurance Offerings
Most providers make it easy for you to navigate available coverage options. IMG breaks down its coverage online by type of insurance, with its travel medical insurance front and center on its drop-down menu.
Choose a Plan
IMG lists its most popular travel medical plans first, with additional plans located toward the bottom of the webpage. Each plan either has a description of travelers it would suit best or plan highlights. You can also download plan brochures and browse through plan details to help make your decision easier.
Provide your Trip Information
Travel medical insurance companies need your trip information to provide you with a quote. Companies will ask questions about your travel dates, destinations, total trip cost, number of travelers and more.
Compare The Medication Coverage
We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers for similar levels of coverage before deciding on a travel medical policy. Some providers, such as IMG, also allow you to compare plans against each other, which can be helpful in the decision-making process.
Complete Your Purchase
Once you’ve decided on a plan, you may have to fill in some additional information to buy a policy, such as your home address, first trip payment date and more. Companies may also ask whether you’d like to purchase additional add-ons with your policy. You’ll then provide a form of payment and complete your purchase.
While this guide details IMG’s purchasing process, most travel medical insurance providers follow a similar process. Be sure to have your trip and traveler information on hand before beginning the buying process.
Is Travel Medical Insurance Worth It?
Travel medical coverage is worth considering if your domestic health insurance does not extend to injuries and illnesses sustained abroad. For example, a private health insurance plan might provide coverage overseas, but Medicaid usually will not.
It’s also worth considering if you’re concerned about a medical emergency abroad or plan on visiting an area with fewer healthcare resources. Travel medical insurance can offer worthwhile travel protection for medical emergencies and evacuations and can provide valuable peace of mind. Many providers also offer pre-existing health condition waivers and policies that cover extreme or adventure sports, allowing different types of travelers to purchase a plan that fits their needs.
In our 2024 travel insurance survey of 1,000 participants, 97% of respondents felt that travel insurance is worth it, with 19% citing medical coverage as the main reason why.
Expert Insights and Tips
We asked three experts to share their insights about traveling abroad and medical emergencies.
ASK THE EXPERTS: What should travelers with health risks consider when planning for a trip?
“Do some comparison shopping and base coverage on the types of medical conditions you have, where you are going and what you will be doing. For example, adventure sports require additional coverage.
When traveling keep your passport, insurance information, prescriptions and a credit card with you. You may also want to make copies and keep them in a separate place from the originals.”
Frequently Asked Questions Travel Medical Insurance
A security coverage limit is the amount a travel medical insurance plan will cover should you need to evacuate your destination due to political unrest, threats toward your well-being, war or natural disasters. Covered expenses include lodging, meals and transportation.
Yes, travel medical insurance plans cover visits to multiple countries, so long as you specify which countries you will visit during the sign-up process.
Many travel medical insurance providers include a 10 to 15-day “free look period” where you can review a plan’s terms and conditions. If you are unsatisfied with the specified terms, you can cancel for a full refund within that period. However, the company may charge a cancellation fee if you cancel outside the set timeframe.
Some credit cards offer travel medical insurance as an included benefit, but this will depend on the card and company. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers travel coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions but no medical coverage. However, Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card provides limited coverage for emergency medical care.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
Our team created a scoring system to assess travel insurance providers based on cost, coverage, quality and service. We also collect sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience.
Here are the factors we take into consideration when reviewing providers, which we use as a scoring basis to then determine a five-star rating:
- Cost (20%): To determine average travel insurance costs, we gather quotes from each travel insurance company based on several traveler profiles. Companies offering rates at or below our calculated average of $221 earn full points in this category. Specifically, we obtain quotes for the following trips:
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Coverage Details (15%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust travel protection earns full points, including coverage for baggage delay and loss, COVID-19, emergency evacuation and medical expenses, trip delays and cancellations, and more. Companies also receive points for featuring various add-ons such as accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items and more.
- Claim Eligibility and Time Constraints (12%): Travel insurance providers enforce time constraints that outline when you can file a claim after a covered event. We give companies more points in this category for having shorter time limits for baggage and weather delays.
- Cancellation and Interruption Coverage (12%): Our team reads through each company’s coverage details and assigns points based on the coverage amount assigned to trip cancellations and interruptions. To earn full points in this category, a company must offer 100% or more coverage.
- Customer Service and Reviews (12%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage (10%): Companies earn points in this category for offering CFAR coverage, which allows you to cancel a trip for reasons outside your policy. In addition to offering coverage, companies received higher scores for meeting or exceeding the standard offering of 75% reimbursement.
- Delay Coverage Amount (10%): We also consider what a company offers for travel delays and baggage delays or loss, all of which can upend a trip. A company can earn 10% total between its travel and baggage delay coverage amounts.
- Credit Rating (5%): Since credit ratings can help customers assess a company’s ability to meet financial obligations, our team considers AM Best ratings when scoring providers.
- Coverage Extras (4%): In addition to standard coverage, we also research how many add-ons a company offers, which can help customers customize their plan. Companies can earn full points in this category for offering eight common travel insurance add-ons.
For more information about how we rate and review providers, read our full travel insurance methodology.
*Data accurate at time of publication
