The best travel insurance provides an important safety net that can protect your trip plans from the unexpected, such as emergency medical expenses, non-refundable cancellations and lost baggage or personal items.
It is especially relevant now that the COVID-19 pandemic has made travel more uncertain, with travel restrictions and lockdowns still being implemented globally, sometimes in unpredictable ways. Travel insurance can help protect your trip from unforeseen complications, and many countries are now requiring coverage as a condition for entry.
Read on to find out which companies made our list for the best travel insurance of 2023
- Travelinsurance.com – Best for Comparing Quotes
- Generali Global Assistance – Best for Emergency Support Services
- Travelex Insurance Services – Best for Families With Children
- Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance – Best for Frequent Flyers
- World Nomads – Best for Adventure Sports Coverage
- Allianz Travel – Best Reputation
- Seven Corners – Best for Large Groups
- Nationwide – Best for Cruises
- AIG Travel Guard – Best Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
PROS
- Fast and easy quotes
- Price guarantee
- Instant confirmation email once you check out
- Glossary of insurance terms
CONS
- Policies and quotes differ by company
- You may prefer a company that isn’t on the marketplace
A member of the US Travel Insurance Association, TravelInsurance.com works with some of the largest, top-rated insurers in the country to simplify the process of shopping and purchasing travel insurance.
Since it is a travel insurance marketplace, it provides quotes from multiple travel insurance providers when you input the cost and duration of your trip. After providing this information, you’ll receive quotes from each company arranged in a format that makes it easy to compare costs, examine pros and cons and find special coverages.
COVID-19 Coverage: Will vary depending on which company is chosen
Generali Global Assistance
Best for Emergency Support Services
Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance
Our Partner
PROS
- 10-day “free look period”
- 100% trip cancellation reimbursement coverage
- 24-hour emergency hotline
- Access to a global network of doctors via phone or video
- ID theft resolution support
CONS
- Higher cost compared to similar options
- Pre-existing conditions require premium policies
- Children under 17 are not covered for free
Generali Global Assistance was chosen best for emergency support services because they offer a 24-hour emergency hotline and a global network of doctors via phone or video. Customers also receive access to ID theft resolution support, as well as concierge services that can help with needs such as pet relocation.
The company offers three travel insurance plan options: standard, preferred and premium. Each plan includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and medical and dental coverage at different benefit limits.
Emergency support is even more extensive with the Premium plan, which includes up to $1 million in evacuation and $250,000 in medical coverage, as well as generous benefits for delays and lost baggage (up to $2,000 per person). The plan also includes benefits for lost sporting equipment, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and protection for rental car damage.
COVID-19 Coverage: If you or a traveling companion are diagnosed with COVID-19 before or during your trip, coverage includes: trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, medical & dental, emergency assistance & transportation
PROS
- Savings for families traveling with kids
- Over 55 years in business
- 24 hours expedited passport service
- Rent and drive in over 150 countries with the international driving permit
- Member of the US Travel Insurance Association
CONS
- Sparse information available on the claims process
- Customer Service has limited operating hours
Two of Travelex’s three plans, Travel Select and Travel America, both include coverage for children at no additional cost, making them ideal for families traveling with minors under the age of 17.
The company’s remaining plan, Travel America, was designed specifically for domestic travel within the United States. All three plans include coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption, as well as 24/7 travel assistance.
With customizable upgrades, you can add on extra medical coverage, rental car collision coverage and cancel for any reason coverage.
COVID-19 Coverage: If you or a traveling companion tests positive for the COVID-19 virus before or during your trip, coverage includes: trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, emergency medical and evacuation.
Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance
Best for Frequent Flyers
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RoamRight Travel Insurance
Our Partner
PROS
Unlimited trips with the multi-trip annual insurance plan
File paperless claims directly from your phone
24-hour emergency travel assistance
Mobile alerts while traveling
Trip cancellation due to natural disasters or geopolitical instability
CONS
Coverage for hazardous sports requires an additional policy upgrade
Available only for US citizens and permanent residents
Medical information required to determine if a condition is covered
Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance offers different plans with a variety of pricing and coverage combinations. Among these, the Multi-Trip Annual insurance is an annual plan with coverage for an unlimited number of trips per year, ideal for frequent travelers looking for coverage without the hassle of signing up for insurance before every single trip.
If you’re not interested in trip cancellation coverage, you can choose a plan with only medical emergency and evacuation coverage. Arch RoamRight also offers a standalone auto rental insurance plan if you do not require trip cancellation or medical coverage.
Arch RoamRight uses the latest technology, including an online claims submission option and a mobile app complete with travel alerts. The company also provides 24/7 assistance, translation of over 150 medical terms in seven languages and information on local equivalents for medications.
COVID-19 Coverage: If you or a traveling companion tests positive for the COVID-19 virus before or during your trip, coverage includes: emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption.
World Nomads
Best for Adventure Sports Coverage
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World Nomads Travel Insurance
Our Partner
PROS
- 200 + adventure activities covered
- Purchase additional coverage while traveling
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Insurance for photo and tech gear, as well as other sports equipment
CONS
- No cancel for any reason option
- Coverage varies by country, state, and province
“Designed by travelers for travelers,” World Nomads covers over 200 adventure activities, including bungee jumping, scuba diving, camel riding, motorbiking, skydiving and snowboarding.
The company offers comprehensive coverage benefits beyond standard options, including coverage for photography, video or sports gear equipment. Plans also include coverage for trip cancellation, assault, death overseas and stolen passports or credit cards. Customers can purchase additional coverage for activities not initially planned while traveling.
World Nomads offers a 24-hour multilingual assistance team and their website has several travel blogs and podcasts with valuable information from customers’ experiences throughout the world.
COVID-19 Coverage: If you or a traveling companion tests positive for the COVID-19 virus before or during your trip, coverage includes: emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, trip delay and trip interruption.
Allianz Travel
Best Reputation
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Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance
Our Partner
PROS
Single-trip and multi-trip/annual plans available
Solo rental car damage protection coverage
Download the TravelSmart app to get travel alerts and file claims
24-hour multilingual hotline
CONS
Benefits and coverage availability may vary by state
No cancel for any reason option
Owned by Allianz SE, the largest diversified insurance company in the world, Allianz Travel has established partnerships with thousands of travel agencies, airlines, event ticket brokers and credit card companies to ensure competitive service rates and travel assistance.
Allianz offers ten different insurance plans with several coverage combinations and benefits that any world traveler will find useful. The Alltrips Executive plan features higher limits and added business rental benefits, and OneTrip Cancellation Plus may be the perfect plan for domestic travelers who don’t need many post-departure services.
The TravelSmart app allows travelers to access their plan information, file and track claims, locate hospitals and access local emergency numbers. The Allianz 24-hour hotline features multilingual specialists to help travelers replace lost passports, obtain local legal assistance or secure cash from home.
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Best for Large Groups
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Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Our Partner
PROS
Affordable multi-trip coverage, especially for couples and families
Plans available for U.S. and non-U.S. residents
Add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interrupt for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans
Coverage available for groups of 10 or more
CONS
Excludes specific destinations from coverage
Residents of some US states are exempted from coverage
Pre-existing conditions have a long look-back period
Seven Corners features individual policies as well as group travel insurance plans for groups of 10 or more travelers. All plans include benefits such as emergency medical evacuation and 24/7 multilingual travel assistance services for emergencies and other travel difficulties.
The company’s LIAISON® travel insurance plans have a coverage length of up to 364 days and include coverage for coronavirus-related situations.
The Travel Plus Group plan covers travelers up to 76 years of age and some pre-existing conditions for U.S. and non-U.S. residents. In contrast, the Student Plus Group policy features medical coverage designed for traveling students and faculty members.
Nationwide
Best Cruise Travel Insurance
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Nationwide Travel Insurance
PROS
Three different plans specifically designed for cruise ships
Coverage for common cruise issues like missed connections and itinerary changes
Cancel for any reason coverage available for select cruise and travel plans
Large insurer with a strong reputation
CONS
Low coverage levels for some incidents on basic plans
Low benefit limits for trip interruption for any reason coverage
Nationwide has been around since 1925 and has an array of travel insurance coverage for individual trips, annual plans and cruises. Its custom-tailored plans for cruises, however, are what make it stand out.
Cruise insurance from Nationwide covers broken down ships and itinerary changes that can lead to missed excursions and flights or other costs. Emergency medical expenses are covered up to $75,000, with medical evacuation benefits up to $250,000. The luxury cruise plan also covers the Centers for Disease Control warnings at your destination.
Additionally, all plans include coverage for the weather, extension of school sessions, work emergencies and terrorism.
AIG Travel Guard
Best Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
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AIG Travel Guard
PROS
Choice of 50% or 75% cancel for any reason reimbursement
High maximum benefit level of $112,500
Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
24-hour emergency travel assistance hotline
CONS
Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available
Relatively expensive compared to other travel insurance companies
AIG features the greatest flexibility and highest limits among all the travel insurance companies that offer cancel for any reason coverage. Many travel insurers have a flat 75% reimbursement and maximum dollar reimbursement of $75,000, whereas AIG allows for either 50% or 75% and has a very generous benefit level maximum of $112,500.
AIG offers four plans for consumers based on their needs and itineraries. The company’s basic plan is not available directly through AIG Travel but must be purchased through marketplaces. Its travel insurance plans include travel medical assistance, worldwide travel assistance, LiveTravel® Emergency Assistance and personal security assistance.
Other Companies We Considered
The following companies all offer solid travel insurance plan options for medical care and comprehensive coverage. Their policies are a good alternative to the ones listed above, but they didn’t excel enough in one particular area to make it into our main list.
American Express Travel Insurance
PROS
Build your own plan
Coverage for trip cancellation due to foreign and domestic terrorism
No age limit on coverage
CONS
Children aren’t covered for free when traveling with an adult
60 days emergency medical vs. 365 days for other coverage
American Express offers travel insurance that is quite flexible, with four tiers of protection, from a bare-bones policy to comprehensive coverage. Its greatest advantage is allowing travelers to create their own policy, where they can choose their preferred areas of coverage. The company’s website also provides a sample policy contract to read before you buy.
TravelSafe
PROS
Affordable and flexible plans with a variety of add-ons
$100,000 per person for emergency medical
Coverage available for pre-existing conditions 60 days before the trip
CONS
No coverage for changes to flight tickets
Low accidental death and dismemberment maximums
TravelSafe has been in the travel insurance business for almost fifty years, offering a selection of affordable plans suited for nearly every need. It was also one of the first companies to offer cancellation for any reason. Travel Safe allows their customers to choose the portion of their travel costs that they wish to cover, up to 100%.
Trawick International
PROS
Emergency medical evacuation coverage of up to $1 million
Trip cancellation maximum of $100,000 and travel delay reimbursement of $2,000
Six different plans for groups coming in and out of the U.S.
CONS
Low missed connection reimbursement of $1,000
Medical and comprehensive coverage must be purchased separately
Trawick International is a strong alternative for travelers looking for cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. Consumers have 21 days to add the CFAR option to their plan after the initial trip deposit and the plan features a generous $2,000 trip delay reimbursement. Trawick also has competitive coverage for large groups, but only for official groups (associations, multinational corporations, volunteer groups, missionary groups, churches, schools and others.)
Insuremytrip.com
PROS
Compare quotes from 20+ top insurers
Insurance representatives available to answer questions
Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau
CONS
Trip protection and medical plans only available to U.S. and Canadian residents
InsureMyTrip.com is another travel insurance marketplace that lets consumers find and compare quotes from multiple insurers. What makes this company stand out is its search interface, which allows users to find the best plan for their situation. For example, if you’re looking for the plan with the highest level of baggage protection, you can choose to display each plan’s coverage limit for baggage loss for comparison. The search also makes it easier to find plans that offer pre-existing condition waivers, cancel for any reason coverage and other features.
IMG Travel Insurance
PROS
Three plans for individuals and families and one plan for groups of 10+ travelers
Medical-only travel insurance available
Global health insurance policies for many kinds of travelers, including missionaries and students
CONS
Cancel for any reason only available for the most expensive plan
IMG offers a wide variety of travel insurance and health insurance products for international trips. Not only do they offer traditional trip protection plans with trip cancellation and delay coverage, but they also offer plans that only include travel medical coverage. These medical-only plans are ideal for students and other travelers who are more concerned about having a medical emergency than about getting reimbursed for a missed flight. IMG also offers international medical insurance for students, missionaries, expats, marine crews, and immigrants living in and outside of the U.S.