Sean Cudahy is a freelance reporter specializing in coverage of airlines, travel, loyalty programs and public policy. A journalist of nine years, Sean most recently served as a general assignment reporter at The Points Guy, following an eight-year run as a local television news reporter. He lives with his wife and their French Bulldog outside Raleigh, North Carolina.
Assistant Assigning Editor Giselle M. Cancio
Assistant Assigning Editor | Travel rewards, budget travel, credit cards
Giselle M. Cancio is a former editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.
She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.
She is based in Miami. Fact Checked
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.
If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.
Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.
Best travel insurance category
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
Allianz Global Assistance.
Travel Guard by AIG.
Travel Insured International.
Travelex Insurance Services.
We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.
On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.
Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.
However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.
As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.
Table of contentsNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For certain inconveniences like trip delays, BHTP offers pre-determined payouts rather than reimbursing receipts.
Compare Rates at Squaremouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For certain inconveniences like trip delays, BHTP offers pre-determined payouts rather than reimbursing receipts.
pros & consUnder the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.
At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.
Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .
Basic coverage cost
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Travelers looking for a customizable, comprehensive coverage at a low price. Includes cruises.
What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:
Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels.Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.
ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed. Learn MoreNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Allianz offers a wide range of plans and customizations for various trip types, durations and budgets.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Allianz offers a wide range of plans and customizations for various trip types, durations and budgets.
pros & consAllianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.
For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.
Basic coverage cost
Allianz Global Assistance
Economical travelers who want to be able to add on rental car protection.
What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:
Annual and single-trip plans. Plans are available for international and domestic trips. Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.
At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.
Basic coverage cost
Those traveling with pre-existing medical conditions and cruise goers.
What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:
Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.
Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Some TII plans offer primary medical coverage, which can be a significant advantage, especially in emergencies abroad.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Some TII plans offer primary medical coverage, which can be a significant advantage, especially in emergencies abroad.
pros & consTravel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.
Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.
Basic coverage cost
Travel Insured International
Worldwide Trip Protector.
Sports fans and concertgoers with pricey belongings. Plans cover traveling with expensive electronic equipment and high-cost ticketed events.
What else makes Travel Insured International great:
Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.
Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.World Nomads caters specifically to adventure travelers, backpackers and those with active itineraries.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consWorld Nomads caters specifically to adventure travelers, backpackers and those with active itineraries.
pros & consMany travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.
Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.
Basic coverage cost
Thrill seekers. Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
What else makes World Nomads great:
Comprehensive international travel insurance plans. Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelex is a decent option for stand-alone flight insurance, which might be suitable for short trips.
Compare Rates at Squaremouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelex is a decent option for stand-alone flight insurance, which might be suitable for short trips.
pros & consFor starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.
Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.
While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.
Basic coverage cost
Travelex Insurance Services
Travelers who want top-notch medical coverage. Medical Coverage upgrade with $50,000 in medical expense coverage and $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage on top of what is already included.
What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:
Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips. Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home. Two flight insurance plans available. Learn MoreNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Consider one of its Travel Medical plans if you already have suitable travel insurance coverage via a credit card.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Consider one of its Travel Medical plans if you already have suitable travel insurance coverage via a credit card.
pros & consEach Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.
The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.
Basic coverage cost
Trip Protection Basic.
Traveling athletes. Seven Corners offers medical only protection, plus options to cover sports and golf equipment rental.
What else makes Seven Corners great:
Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S. Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With a wide range of plans, choosing the right IMG plan might be overwhelming for some travelers. Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With a wide range of plans, choosing the right IMG plan might be overwhelming for some travelers. pros & consWhile some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.
However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.
Basic coverage cost
iTravelInsured Travel Lite.
Long-term budget travelers. The most basic package covers trips up to 180 days and offers 100% trip cancellation coverage and 125% trip interruption coverage.
What else makes IMG great:
More affordable than average. Annual or single-trip policies are available. Many plans to choose from to fit your needs. Learn MoreNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Few customizations are available, but plans are generally affordable. This is a good fit for budget travel with basic coverage.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Few customizations are available, but plans are generally affordable. This is a good fit for budget travel with basic coverage.
pros & consTin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.
The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.
Basic coverage cost
Tin Leg Economy.
Those who have a lot of time on their hands to compare policies and look for bargains.
The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
TravelSafe is a good option for tight layovers, as its Classic plan includes up to $2,500 in missed connection coverage.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
TravelSafe is a good option for tight layovers, as its Classic plan includes up to $2,500 in missed connection coverage.
pros & consSelecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.
However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.
Basic coverage cost
U.S. residents shopping for single-trip coverage and those booking with points or miles.
What else makes TravelSafe great:
Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans. Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
HTH offers a discount on insurance plans for groups traveling together, a potential advantage for cost-conscious groups.
Compare Rates at SquareMouth pros & consNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
HTH offers a discount on insurance plans for groups traveling together, a potential advantage for cost-conscious groups.
pros & consHTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.
At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.
You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.
Basic coverage cost
Trip Protector Economy.
Travelers searching for group trip coverage, including missionaries and crew.
What else makes HTH Insurance great:
Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage. Lots of options for group travelers.As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.
This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.
Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.
This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.
Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.
Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.
Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.
Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.
This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.
Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.
Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.
You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.
This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.
Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.
In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.
Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.
These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.
On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.
Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.
For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.
Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.
For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.
You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.
Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.
It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.
In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.
If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.
On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.
It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.
On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.
If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.
Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.
As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?
Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.
Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.
Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.
Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.
Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).
The Bahamas. Costa Rica. Antarctica.In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.
As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.
Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.
We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:
Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans.
Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.
Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.
Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.
Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.
Frequently asked questions Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.
In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.
But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.
What are ways to get the most out of travel insurance?To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.
Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.
Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.
Is there a difference between trip insurance and travel insurance?Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.
Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.
“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.
A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.
Do I need travel insurance for international trips?Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.
For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.
Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.
Consider a few key questions:
How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas? How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car? How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary? Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight? Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.
Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.
In general, buying travel insurance
within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit
for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.
But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.
What are ways to get the most out of travel insurance?To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.
Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.
Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.
Is there a difference between trip insurance and travel insurance?Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.
Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.
“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.
A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.
Do I need travel insurance for international trips?Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.
For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.
Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.
Consider a few key questions:
Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the authorYou’re following Sean Cudahy
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
Sean Cudahy is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of airlines, travel, loyalty programs and public policy. See full bio.
On a similar note.
Download the app
Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly.
NerdUp by NerdWallet credit card: NerdWallet is not a bank. Bank services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC. The NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Inc.
Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539
California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812
Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses
NerdWallet™ | 55 Hawthorne St. - 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
