Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.
The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as preexisting conditions.
Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2025.
Best Travel Insurance
- Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
- Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
- Best for Families: Travel Guard
- Best Reputation: Travel Insured International
- Best for Preexisting Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance
- Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance
- Best for Value: Trawick International Travel Insurance
- Best for Adventure Travels : World Nomads Travel Insurance
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Best Overall
A-
$206
N/A
Up to 200%
- Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
- Annual travel insurance plans available
- Strong trip cancellation coverage
- Cancel for any reason coverage available
- CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
- Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer
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.
Nationwide- Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
- Cancel for any reason coverage available
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 travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.
Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most accessible 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.
Runner-Up
$218
N/A
Up to $1 Million
- 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
- 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%
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.
AXA- 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
- Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000
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 its lower-tier plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.
Best for Families
A
$171–$319
$250
50%
- 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
- Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors
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.
Travel Guard- 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
Travel Guard is owned and operated by insurance conglomerate American International Group, a well-known insurance provider. Travel Guard 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 Travel Guard a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.
All Travel Guard policies, even its most basic option, offer child-inclusive pricing, which means kids 17 and under are covered with no extra charge when traveling with a covered adult. This makes Travel Guard an outstanding option for families.
Best for Reputation
A
- Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
- Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
- Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
- Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
- Medical coverage is only $100,000
- Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
- C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.
While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, Travel Insured International's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that Travel Insured International processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, Travel Insured International regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.
Additionally, in Travel Insured International's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.
Travel Insured International reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. Travel Insured International also offers child-inclusive pricing with its Deluxe and Platinum travel insurance plans, which means that children 17 and under are covered for free when traveling with a covered family member.
Best for Preexisting Conditions
874
A++
- 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
- Limited add-on coverage options
- Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors
Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.
Tin Leg- 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.
Tin Leg Travel Insuranceis a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for preexisting conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
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.
Best for Digital Nomads
A
- 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
- 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.
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.
WorldTrips- Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Trip protection insurance
WorldTrips Travel Insurance has decently low 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.
Best for Value
- 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
- 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
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.
Trawick International Travel Insurance- Travel medical insurance
- Trip protection and cancellation
- International student insurance
- Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)
Trawick International Travel Insurance offers low premiums across its five plans, most of which offer coverage for preexisting conditions. You'll find robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company also offers high medical evacuation coverage limits, up to $1,000,000.
Additionally, Trawick's Travel Safe plan allows you to build your own plan from scratch, meaning you don't have to pay for coverage you don't need.
Best for Adventure Travels
A-
- Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
- Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
- You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
- If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
- Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
- No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
- Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
- 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
- Trip protection for up to $10,000
- Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
- Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
- Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)
World Nomads Travel Insurance offers travel insurance in three tiers: Standard, Explorer, and Epic. It distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Each tier expands on the list of covered sports, so be sure to check the list of covered activities to see which tier covers yours.
Additionally, World Nomads one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.
All World Nomads plans offer preexisting condition coverage and have generous travel medical coverage, starting at $125,000 maximum for its most basic plan. It doesn't have the highest evacuation coverage, however, maxing out at $700,000 when many companies offer up to $1 million. Also note that World Nomads has a tight window for qualifying for preexisting conditions. Policies must be purchased within seven days of your initial trip deposit to qualify for the waiver.
Compare Travel Insurance Companies
Introduction to Travel Insurance
Why Travel Insurance is a Must-Have
The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.
Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans, from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.
Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage
Travel Insurance for Medical Emergencies
Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits
Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.
Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss
Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.
Support and Assistance Services
In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, SquareMouth, and InsureMyTrip, to see how well a company responds to customer requests.
Choosing the Best Travel Insurance
Reputation and Reliability of the Travel Insurance Provider
A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.
Understanding the Policy's Fine Print
The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
For example, to get coverage for a canceled trip due to work, many travel insurance companies require that you've been with that company for at least a year.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance
Knowing Your Policy Inside Out
Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy — what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. At the very least, you should have the terms readily available while you're on your trip.
Steps to Take When a Problem Arises
If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Your insurance company may even have a 24/7 assistance hotline that can walk you through an emergency during your trip, even issues that don't involve claims.
When a problem arises. you'll want to document as much as possible, in case you need proof when filing a claim. Ask for receipts and invoices when possible.
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 often have a wider selection of offers, as their premiums are lower. If they're not participating in adventure activities, plans that offer bare-bones coverage will be best for them. On the other hand, 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' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own.
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.
How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies
To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, Business Insider evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:
Guide Methodology: What We Considered
Policy Types
Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business 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 reasonable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.
Our 2023 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 U.S. 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.
You can read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance.
FAQs
Does travel insurance cover canceled flights?
Yes, travel insurance can cover canceled flights as long as it's for a covered reason and you bought trip cancellation coverage.
Does travel insurance ever pay out?
Yes, travel insurance pays out if you experience a covered event. It's worth noting that some travel insurance companies pay claims more reliably than others.
Does all travel insurance include emergency travel medical coverage?
No, not all travel insurance policies cover travel medical coverage. Some providers offer trip cancellation-only coverage, which just covers the nonrefundable costs of your trip.
How much travel insurance coverage do I need?
You should buy enough travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip. Your travel medical coverage doesn't need to be too high, but if you're going to remote areas, look for high evacuation benefits.
What is the best travel insurance for adventure sports?
For adventure sports coverage, you'll want to look at World Nomads, which covers over 150 sports with its base plan.
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