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The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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International travel medical insurance and travel protection

Travel with less worry with safetrip from unitedhealthcare global.

With SafeTrip travel protection plans from UnitedHealthcare Global, you can set off on your next adventure prepared and ready for what comes your way — whether that’s medical, emergency or trip cancellation surprises. Choose the right SafeTrip travel medical insurance or travel protection plan for you, with plans that include medical coverage, trip cancellation, evacuation and other coverage options.

Find SafeTrip travel medical insurance and travel protection options for you

Get coverage to protect yourself and your trip expenses on all of life’s travels.

What is international travel medical insurance?

International travel medical insurance is secondary emergency coverage for people who are leaving their home country and provides coverage while they are outside of their country, whether that’s for a trip, work outside the country, a volunteer trip or any other travel circumstance.  

What does international travel medical insurance cover?

International travel medical insurance typically offers benefits that cover emergency medical, dental and evacuation services. Some plans, like those with added travel protection benefits, cover specific travel-related circumstances, like trip cancellation, trip interruptions or lost baggage.

Why buy international travel medical insurance and travel protection? 

With travel medical insurance and travel protection, you’ll have coverage to help protect your financial investment — and your health and safety. It’s your ticket to help you travel with less stress. Some advantages of choosing travel medical and trip protection include:

Financial protection

Get reimbursement for missed connections, trip delays, cancellations, baggage loss and eligible covered non-refundable expenses 

Health coverage

Ensure you’re covered for medical emergencies and evacuation coupled with assistance coordinating arrangements and more 

Safety and security

Be sure you’re protected — many domestic health insurance plans may not cover medical emergencies while traveling abroad

Explore our top SafeTrip plans for travelers

Our travel protection plans offer flexible benefits for any voyage — from bucket-list trips to out-of-country work and more. These 3 plan choices include coverage for everything from trip delays and cancellations to unexpected health care needs and helpful details like destination profiles and evacuation coverage.

International Travel Medical Plus

Protect yourself with a combination plan that covers unexpected medical needs and unanticipated trip cancellations.

• No deductibles
• Trip cancellation, interruption, delay and baggage coverage
• Medical and security assistance
• Option to add Extreme Sports and Rental car coverage

International Travel Medical

Choose plan options with emergency medical insurance for travel off the beaten path — and anywhere else your trip may take you.

• Up to $1 million for medical expense limit
• Medical evacuation and medical assistance
• Option to add Extreme Sports coverage

Travel Protection

Be prepared by choosing a plan with backup for domestic U.S. trip cancellations, interruptions and delays.

• Full AD&D coverage
• Option to add Rental car coverage

Why choose SafeTrip Travel Medical Insurance from UnitedHealthcare Global?

24/7 support.

Get support from instant customer service, available in more than 100 languages

Global providers

Get connected to quality physicians, clinics and hospitals worldwide 

Around-the-world coverage

Explore coverage options available in more than 150 countries 

All-in-one service

Count on service all within our one company that brings you 45 years of experience

Frequently asked questions about international travel medical plans

Read on to learn more about why international travel medical plans may be right for you. 

Who should buy travel medical insurance?

If you’re traveling abroad, going on a business trip overseas or planning an expensive trip, travel insurance or travel protection may be a good choice for you. It’s a way to be better prepared for the possibility that your trip may be interrupted or canceled or if you experience a medical emergency while away.  It’s coverage that connects you with medical care, travel protection and more.

Nearly every traveler can benefit from the extra protection of travel medical insurance. Some in particular who may want to consider it include:

• Families with children
• Anyone visiting a country that speaks a different language
• Solo travelers
• Travelers to a remote location

What kind of travel insurance is right for me?

SafeTrip travel protection includes 3 plan options for you to choose from. The right plan for you will depend on your situation and the level of coverage that’s important to you.

International Travel Medical Plus is a combination protection plan including travel medical insurance and travel protection (including trip cancellation).

International Travel Medical Plus plans focus on coverage in the event your trip is cancelled or interrupted, but still includes eligible medical expense limits ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

International Travel Medical provides emergency travel medical coverage including evacuation.

International Travel Medical plans are geared towards travelers who may want more robust medical coverage for unexpected accidents or sickness. These plans start at a minimum medical expense limit of $100,000 and allow for a maximum of $1,000,000.

• Travel Protection plans give you coverage if your trip is interrupted, delayed or cancelled in the U.S. — domestic travel only.

Does my health insurance work internationally?

Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home. 

In case of a medical or dental emergency while in another country, this could require you to spend a large amount of your own personal funds or charge significant amounts on credit cards while you are still traveling.

Travel medical insurance plans typically cover emergency medical and dental costs. Emergency transportation costs, such as ambulance or air lift, also are often covered, as are emergency evacuations that would get you from a remote location to appropriate medical care.

How much is travel insurance? ​

While travel insurance, or travel protection, is often more expensive than travel medical insurance, these plans give you the additional assurance that you are covered against the financial loss due to covered reasons under the policy. Travel protection costs are based on the total trip cost and can therefore vary by trip.  

Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, only covers you for any medical emergencies or medical evacuations and is often cheaper than the combined plans offering travel medical insurance and trip protection in one. 

How long before traveling should you get travel insurance?​

It is generally recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as you have made any non-refundable payments towards your trip. This helps to ensure that you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise before your departure. A SafeTrip policy can be purchased as little as 24-hours or one full day prior to travel departure.

Are non-medical benefits available with travel medical insurance?

Even if you’re facing a non-medical challenge, UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip plans are here for you with support and assistance. You can call our 24/7 Emergency Response Center to assist with lost or stolen passports, legal referrals, translation services, emergency transfer of funds and a host of other non-medical problems. Please refer to your policy for details.

How do I make a claim if I have a travel medical plan?

If you currently have a SafeTrip plan and you need to make a claim, follow these simple steps:

• Visit CBP Connect
• Follow the instructions on screen

For additional questions:

Call:  1-877-693-8530

Email:  [email protected]

Ready for your next travel adventure?

Get travel tips and information to help you on your way. 

Explore more supplemental plans

View more plans, like dental, vision and other cash-benefit plans, that offer coverage for expenses not covered by a medical plan.

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Buying the Best Travel Medical Insurance for You [2024]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

47 Published Articles 3397 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What is travel medical insurance, what does travel medical insurance cover, what doesn’t travel medical insurance cover, what travel medical insurance isn’t, how does travel medical insurance work, how much does travel medical insurance cost, which company has the best travel medical insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The thought of getting sick or injured while traveling can be one of the most stressful aspects of planning a trip. Often, travelers assume that their primary health insurance will cover all costs of medical expenses on their trip, but not every health insurance plan covers every country and situation.

To ensure you have coverage if you need it, you may need to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. This can fill the gap between your regular insurance and any coverage you may have with your credit cards . We’ll break down all of the important details and tell you everything you should know about travel medical insurance.

If you are traveling domestically within your own country, you will likely be covered by your primary health insurance. If you are traveling abroad, your coverage may not extend to those other countries. This is primarily where travel medical insurance comes into play.

Travel medical insurance is a type of international insurance designed to cover emergency health care costs you might face when you are traveling or vacationing abroad.

A travel medical policy can be an important addition to your trip since your primary health plan may not cover you fully if you need assistance outside of your home country. An uninsured injury or illness abroad can result in a huge financial burden that can be significantly reduced by having travel medical insurance.

Bottom Line: Travel medical insurance is recommended by the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Allianz Travel, the most common overseas medical emergencies that are claimed include:

• Fractures from falls
• Cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack or stroke
• Trauma involving motor vehicles
• Respiratory problems such as a collapsed lung

So going with that first item, let’s say you’re exploring Europe and end up twisting your ankle on the beautiful, but uneven cobblestone streets in Rome. Depending on the plan you choose, you may be covered for:

• The cost of a local ambulance to transport you to the hospital
• Your emergency room co-payment
• The bill for your hospital room and board
• Any other eligible medical expenses, up to your plan limits

But there are limitations to travel medical insurance. Before you purchase a plan, it’s important to know exactly what you are buying — including which things are and aren’t included in your coverage.

Travel medical plans are designed to help in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury while traveling abroad. Travel medical insurance offers emergency medical expense coverage as well as emergency evacuation coverage. This means that the plan will reimburse you for reasonable and customary costs of emergency medical and dental care (up to the plan limits — discussed below).

It is important to look closely at all plans you are interested in since many important things are hidden in the details. You might also find it helpful to brush up on your insurance lingo before doing this.

Plan Limits

Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical costs up to the plan limit. Plan limits vary greatly by plan but typically fall between $50,000 and $2,000,000. This is obviously a HUGE range, so you will have to determine the correct amount of coverage based on a few key items:

• How much (if any) will your own health insurance plan or credit card cover when you’re traveling outside of your home country? As we discussed above, Medicare doesn’t cover you at all outside of the U.S., so this would be an instance where you might want your plan’s coverage limit to be higher.
• How long is your trip? If you’re going to be away for more than 1 to 2 months, you might want a higher plan limit to account for the greater exposure to risk.
• Do you need extra coverage due to risky activities? For example, if you expect to ski, mountain climb, or do any other risky activities where you might get injured, you might want a higher plan limit.
• What do you feel comfortable with?  If you feel safer having $100,000 as opposed to $50,000, then that may be the right decision for you. This insurance plan should provide you a sense of security so you can enjoy your trip.
• Deductibles

Most medical single trip plans have some sort of deductible that you must pay before any benefits will be paid. After this, your travel medical insurance will cover any remaining costs, up to the plan’s limit.

However, you will be offered the option to increase, decrease, or remove the deductible altogether. Based on this choice, the price you pay (aka the premium) will be affected accordingly. For example, if you choose a higher deductible, your premium will decrease. If you choose a lower (or no) deductible, your premium will increase.

Length of Trip

You are covered by travel medical insurance based on the type of plan you purchase. These come in 3 types:

Single-Trip Coverage

This is the most common type of travel medical insurance. When you leave your home, go on a trip, and then return home, this is considered to be a single trip. While on your trip, you can still visit multiple countries and destinations all under the umbrella of this single trip. You will be covered for the duration of this trip under a single trip travel medical insurance plan.

Multi-Trip Coverage

Multi-trip coverage is for multiple trips and often purchased in 3-, 6-, and 12-month segments.

Long-Term Coverage

This is continuous medical coverage for the long-term traveler (think expats or people working abroad) and is typically paid on a monthly basis.

Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover COVID-19?

Many travel insurance policies offer good medical coverage, but not all plans cover expenses related to COVID-19 . If that’s important to you, make sure to verify that the plan you’re buying specifically covers you in case you contract COVID-19.

In general, cancellations due to fear of travel are not covered. However, some plans cover you if you or your covered traveling companion were to become sick as a result of COVID-19. This means that you could still receive benefits for the losses that are covered by the plan.

Many countries around the world , such as Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates, are even requiring travelers to hold a specific level of medical coverage to account for COVID-19-related medical care and evacuation.

In addition, “ Cancel for Any Reason ” has become a hot topic. This optional coverage is not available with all plans but lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund no matter what your reason — including unexpected travel bans, lengthy quarantine periods, or cancellations due to concerns over COVID-19.

Since travel medical insurance is meant to cover emergencies, certain types of expenses are excluded from most travel medical policies. In addition, for insurance purposes, a pre-existing condition is general defined as any condition:

• For which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within a defined period of time prior to your coverage date (varies from plan to plan, but is typically within 60 days to 2 years)
• That would cause a “reasonably prudent person” to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment prior to your coverage date
• That existed prior to your effective date of coverage, whether or not it was known to you (commonly includes pregnancy)

Hot Tip: You do not need a medical examination in order to purchase travel insurance. If you have a claim, the insurance company will investigate to ensure that your claim occurred during the coverage period of your policy and wasn’t a result of any pre-existing conditions.

Here are some of the most frequent exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions as defined above
• Routine medical examinations and care (i.e. wellness exams, ongoing prescriptions, etc.)
• Routine prenatal, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal care
• Medical expenses for injury or illness caused by extreme sports
• Mental health disorders
• Injury caused by the effects of intoxication or illegal drugs
• Payments exceeding the plan limit

Unless you’ve purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan, other exclusions include claims related to:

• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Rental car damage

Be sure to read the description of coverage for any plan you’re considering before you make the purchase. While reading the entire document front to back can be tedious, it’s better to know what’s excluded before you attempt to make a claim.

Now that we’ve let you know what is and isn’t covered by travel medical insurance, we’ll also breakdown the difference between travel medical insurance and other similar options.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance plans offer the most benefits of all plan types and will typically include medical coverage. It can offer you additional coverage for things like trip cancellation, trip delay and cancellation, lost luggage, and more. It’s the best way to cover a host of potential common travel-related problems.

Some comprehensive plans also offer additional coverage for things like rental car damage, Cancel for Any Reason, or a pre-existing condition waiver.

Bottom Line: Comprehensive travel insurance is a full-service plan and includes travel medical coverage as well as other coverages that will protect all aspects of your trip. 

Health Insurance

You might be thinking that already have medical insurance provided by your employer or through Medicare. However, when you travel to other countries, your primary health insurance might not go with you. Before your trip, check to see whether your domestic plan provides any coverage once you’ve left your home country since many offer limited or no coverage.

In case of a medical emergency, you will want to be able to lay your hands quickly on your travel insurance plan’s contact information for the 24-hour Emergency Assistance program as well as your policy number, so make sure to keep this information somewhere that is easily accessible. Also, be sure you know how to place a call to that number from outside the country.

This is important because you’ll be required to call your travel insurance provider and notify them that you need to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Obviously, you may not be medically able to call before you seek emergency medical treatment, but you should do so as soon as you are able to.

The earlier you can call, the more likely it is that you can avoid any issues for payment of claims and you can also get help and advice from the company’s emergency assistance program.

Bottom Line: Specific details on when and how to contact your insurance provider in case of a medical emergency vary by plan and provider, so thoroughly review these details in your plan information.

For example, in the event of an emergency that requires emergency medical evacuation, your insurance provider will have to approve the evacuation and even make those arrangements for you. If you don’t call ahead to have them do this, the company may not approve the expense and you may be stuck paying for the evacuation in full.

Once you are actually at a medical facility to receive care, make sure to document the experience as thoroughly as possible. This means asking for copies of all of your records before you check out. You’ll need to provide these records to the insurance company when you eventually file your claim and having proof of treatment and costs will assist you in filing a successful claim and getting your money back as soon as possible.

Travel medical insurance plans can vary widely in price, but in general, plans cost anywhere between 4-10% of your total non-refundable trip cost. The pricing of any plan takes into consideration many things, including a few that we discussed above, to determine the cost. These include:

• Age of travelers
• Plan limits
• Supplemental plans such as “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage or coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Length of trip

In addition, if you decide that a comprehensive plan is a better choice for you, this will also increase the price.

The best travel medical insurance company for you may be determined by what type and how much coverage you’d like to have. Let’s review a few options and companies to consider.

Credit Card Coverage

Many premium cards have some medical coverage, so be sure to look over all of the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

For example, cardholders of The Platinum Card ® from American Express may already have $15,000 of secondary medical coverage . For many, this may be enough, but for others, you may not feel comfortable at this level of coverage and want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

Travel Medical Insurance Policies

If you are looking to purchase a plan from a reputable company, a few options include:

1. Patriot Travel Medical Insurance from IMG Global

For the out-of-country plans, Patriot offers:

• Short-term travel medical coverage
• Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
• Daily or monthly rates
• Freedom to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of your choice

The following plans are available based on the level of coverage that you desire and you can request a quote through their website linked above.

2. GeoBlue Single Trip Traveler Medical Insurance

GeoBlue offers both the “Voyager Choice” and “Voyager Essential” single trip plans. Both plans allow you to choose your level of medical coverage (from $50,000 up to $1 million) and offer $500,000 in emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.

The main difference between the 2 plans is that the Choice plan does not require you to be covered by a primary health plan, but doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. The Voyager plan will cover all pre-existing conditions, but functions as a secondary coverage after your primary health plan.

3. Allianz Travel Medical Insurance

Allianz offers an Emergency Medical plan that offers additional benefits that extend beyond simply medical coverage. This plan is a comprehensive plan that covers lost baggage and trip cancellation and delay, in addition to emergency medical coverage. See just a few of these benefits below:

In addition, many companies, such as AAA,  offer travel insurance through Allianz, so you may receive a further discount if you reference your AAA policy.

Travel medical insurance can be beneficial for most travelers when traveling internationally as most primary health insurance plans won’t cover you abroad. We hope we’ve given you the tools you need to select a plan that works best for you and your travel needs.

At the end of the day, a travel medical plan is a great option if you’re traveling abroad and are not worried about covering trip costs due to a cancellation or added expenses due to a travel delay. Anyone looking for robust coverage for baggage or interruption should consider an upgrade to a more comprehensive plan.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

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• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best International Travel Insurance 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Secure Adventures Abroad

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Top International Travel Insurance Companies Comparison

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most U.S. health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best International Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allianz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Exotic Trips

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads offers coverage for over 300 adventure activities and sports, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. Both its Standard and Explorer plans cover a wide array of sports. Most activities will be covered under the Standard plan, but extreme sports like skydiving and scuba diving below 165 feet are only covered in the Explorer plan.

Another added benefit of the World Nomads plan is that plans are available after departure. Though if you purchase a plan after you leave for your trip, you'll have to wait 72 days before your coverage kicks in. 

World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Trip Interruption

C&f travel insured.

C&F offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Medical Coverage

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue travel insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Family Coverage

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance.

Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex travel insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Long Trips

Seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review .

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

• Trip destination(s)
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age/birthday
• State of residence
• Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the Best Price for International Travel Insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the cheapest travel insurance that still meets your needs.

You can use insurance aggregators like Squaremouth , InsureMyTrip , or VisitorsCoverage to directly compare rates.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance .

International Travel Insurance FAQ

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

International health insurance and travel insurance serve different purposes. While both may cover medical expenses, international health insurance provides long-term health insurance for working abroad. Meanwhile, travel insurance offers short-term coverage for the duration of your trip. 

Yes, you can travel to multiple countries under one travel insurance policy, but you should tell your insurance provider about your travel plans as it may change your premiums. 

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

Health Insurance Abroad: The Complete Guide

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Going abroad for the first time without your family can be thrilling, yet simultaneously terrifying. The same can be said for the second, third, and tenth time. Are you 30 and planning for a volunteer trip overseas? It’s still scary, and that’s okay!

On the cusp of any international travel—short- or long-term—it’s normal to have an imminent feeling of the unknown and unexpected weighing down on your mind. As much as I’d love to tell any future adventurer to look to toward the horizon, ignore the risks and gallop off into the Icelandic sunset on a miniature fluffy horse, the fact is that that’s just awful advice to give. The better piece of advice is plain and simple: Cover your hiney with health insurance abroad.

Traveling to Asia? Get Covered with the Luma ASEAN Pass

No matter the adventure, don’t leave without securing medical insurance abroad!

No matter your age, international travel experience, destination, or purpose for venturing abroad—be it studying, volunteering, teaching, interning, or otherwise—there are very real risks that need to be acknowledged and properly prepared for before you head overseas. While packing your life away for a study abroad trip and raising funds for a volunteer stint abroad are pretty important, your medical insurance abroad carries the most significant weight. Forgetting a hairbrush or not having enough money for a daily gelato is a bummer, but not having health insurance coverage abroad when tragedy strikes can have lifelong consequences. 

Travelers, parents, and other family members alike can be comforted by the knowledge that there are comprehensive coverage packages out there customizable for any type of travel abroad—from teaching in China to snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. And just like that, taking the first step out into the Barcelona cobblestoned street doesn’t seem so intimidating! You’re covered. 

In this comprehensive guide to health insurance while abroad, you’ll learn the ins and outs of…

• An overview of medical insurance abroad
• How your destination influences your coverage 
• Using an existing domestic plan overseas
• What’s covered in international health insurance
• Difference between travel insurance and international medical insurance
• What to do if an emergency happens abroad
• Insurance abroad considerations for types of travel
• Suggested insurance providers

If you’ve been ignoring the nitty-gritty logistics of traveling abroad, then this guide to health insurance abroad will cover everything you need to know. Let’s get started!

The rundown of medical insurance abroad

Even if you don’t plan on skiing in Austria—or anywhere—during your travels, stay safe by having health insurance coverage abroad.

In the unusual case that you’ve already mastered how your domestic insurance and healthcare system works at home, that’s great! It won’t be of much help here, however. With a spectrum of healthcare systems around the world and third-party insurance providers working as middlemen to make it all easier to understand, that Thai snack of grasshoppers isn’t the only foreign concept on the table. 

Generally, medical insurance abroad covers whichever dates you want, ranging from a day to a year and more. As health and finances are inarguably some of the most important assets we have, finding the correct health insurance while abroad should be a priority. Because it’s a preventative service, it’s easy to consider it an afterthought and not budget sufficiently for an adequate policy. Just remember, insurance abroad should be one of the top items on your travel list!

All your insurance abroad travel questions answered

The world of insurance is complicated enough, and throwing “international” into the mix makes it all the more confusing. How’s one to know about insurance abroad without having spending hours making phone calls to countless companies and embassies? We got the answers to your questions.

1. Do I need health insurance while traveling internationally?

Just like at home, health insurance helps pays for medical attention ranging from emergency room visits to prescription drugs. Internationally, you may face additional challenges as a foreign national that health insurance coverage abroad will help face, such as emergency evacuation or exorbitant healthcare costs if not covered. Apart from the fact that many travel programs or visas require some degree of coverage, having a safety net while traveling is always a good idea . 

Our recommendation is Lewerglobal . Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or education, Lewerglobal provides the protection and support you need to travel with confidence. Find peace of mind for your short-term holiday, year-long internship, or four-year degree program. Lewerglobal members can choose a variety of health, travel, and trip protection plans to meet any budget and itinerary!

[ Browse All Providers of Medical Coverage Abroad ]

2. does my travel destination make a difference.

Yes! Your destination country or countries can impact what kind of health insurance coverage abroad you need and if you need it at all. For example, U.S. citizens whose long-term travels take them to countries in the Schengen area will need a certain amount of insurance coverage to qualify for a visa after the 90-day tourist visa period is up. Most countries in Western Europe are in the Schengen area , including Spain, France, Germany, and Italy. 

Those who aren’t U.S. citizens may need insurance coverage to apply for a visa just to enter the area to begin with. For either case, there are specific stipulations for the holiday health insurance abroad to qualify for a Schengen area visa. Amongst other requirements, the insurance must cover a certain amount of Euros and should be valid for the applicant’s length of stay.

Other countries requiring proof of health insurance before entry are Cuba, Antarctica, and the United Arab Emirates. Before securing a generic health insurance abroad, be absolutely sure that your destination countries’ insurance requirements are met. Otherwise, your coverage may be all for nothing!

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3. does my health insurance cover international travel.

Depending on your domestic insurance, you may have some coverage abroad for basic short-term trips in some countries. However, more often than not, you’re looking at limited coverage, higher deductibles, and higher minimums to pay if an emergency does arise. For Medicare recipients, there is generally no coverage outside of the U.S. and its territories.

Before purchasing insurance abroad, check in with your current health insurance provider to be sure you’re not getting double coverage!

Health insurance comes in handy if you need to visit a doctor or clinic on your travels.

4. What does insurance abroad cover?

Medical insurance abroad alone typically covers anything from emergency doctor visits to lab orders to emergency surgeries to dental care for pain relief. Although often included, emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains (return of a body if passed away) are considered separate line items. When reading through policy coverage, be sure these basic services are included, as well as others like emergency family travel arrangements in case a family member needs to fly out to the bedside. 

For travelers with a chronic illness or preexisting conditions, its essential that a health insurance abroad covers all medical needs and provides for prescription drugs for longer trips. Otherwise, you may be looking at out-of-pocket expenses and that’s the last way anyone wants to remember their travels!

5. How much does insurance abroad cost?

Rule of thumb when when choosing an insurance abroad: Don’t shop for the cheapest. A low price isn’t reflective of a good deal, rather it may just hint at a bare boned policy with high deductibles and minimums. Policies can start at a little more than a dollar a day for shorter trips , but ultimately, travel health insurance cost is determined by these factors:

• Limit of coverage, amount of deductible, and add-ons (i.e. ski insurance)
• Traveler’s age
• Duration of travel

After you have an idea of the coverage your travels and your health condition requires, the fun part begins. Shopping! Medical insurance websites include an option for a free quote, so you can get a fairly good idea of cost and the policy breakdown before you commit.  

[ Get Even More Travel Medical Insurance Advice ]

6. what’s the difference between travel insurance and medical insurance abroad.

After doing a bit of research you may have come across insurance abroad, travel insurance, and international medical coverage. What’s the difference? Sometimes these variations are combined into comprehensive packages. Let’s break down common types of coverages:

• Trip insurance or travel cancellation insurance: This type compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage while in transit and for unplanned trip cancellations in stated circumstances, such as a relative passing away.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation: If you need to get transported to a hospital or even airlifted to seek special emergency care, then evacuation coverage has got your back. Repatriation also makes sure you can get paid to back home for special care in unforeseen circumstances.
• Emergency medical expenses: When generally thinking of medical insurance abroad, this kind of coverage is most commonly referenced. Avoid paying medical bills by making sure you have an adequate coverage for medical expenses. 

Travel worry-free for flight delays, lost luggage, and other inconveniences—your insurance will have your back!

7. Who do you contact if you need medical attention?

First and foremost, after purchasing a suitable medical insurance abroad you need to print out your policy (if you don’t receive a physical card) and carry it on your person at all times. Having a claim form or two printed, saved and ready in a secure place will also save buckets of travel down the road if you’re unable to later. Participants of an organized travel program can also get assistance from program organizers, who may also have a good idea of how to approach medical emergencies in the country. 

Every international insurance provider will have a hotline available to contact with country-specific protocol and instructions if you need to seek medical attention. Additionally, the country’s U.S. Embassy provides information on local doctors and hospitals available. Just look for the “American Citizens Services” tab on your country’s U.S. Embassy website . 

8. What’s the right type of insurance for my travels (study/intern/work/etc)?

Not all health insurance coverage abroad is made equal. Meaningful travel comes in all lengths and varying degrees of adventure. While some adventure travel may involve extreme sports like scuba diving, a two week volunteer project in a large city is relatively low-key. Be aware of what risks and characteristics your travels entail and make sure you pick up the right plan to cover them. 

• Study abroad . With durations ranging from a few weeks to a whole year, study abroad can be confusing when it comes to insurance. Luckily, most study abroad program providers offer comprehensive information on how to get covered, if they don’t already include a plan in the program. ( P.S. Studying abroad with a chronic illness? Read about what you need to know ! )
• Volunteer abroad . The unique characteristic of volunteering abroad is that your horizons are a lot wider, including stays in off-the-beaten path areas and more community integration. As such, infrastructure and access to comprehensive healthcare can be scarce. For volunteers with medical conditions relying on special treatment, look into plans that cover pre-existing conditions and prescription drugs abroad.
• Intern abroad . Organized internship abroad opportunities through third-party programs or universities will often offer insurance abroad for the duration of stay. These plans are already suggested with the internship and destination country in mind, so you don’t have to navigate the confusing world of coverage yourself. 
• Teach abroad . One of the perks of teaching English abroad is the medical insurance abroad included in work compensation packages (or at least a partnership with a company to direct you too)! Included insurance policies are a sign of a well-rounded employer and saves a ton of leg-work in the relocation process. Whether the coverage is offered through a third-party recruiting organization or directly by the employing institution abroad, there’s bound to be a preplanned insurance policy available. 
• TEFL courses abroad . TEFL courses abroad never last for more than a few months at a time, and as such are easily coverable by normal health insurance abroad. For the time spent abroad learning about grammar games and classroom management, a general international medical insurance should do!
• Gap year . Going abroad through an organization? Then you may already have international insurance coverage included! Students traveling independent can look into youth plans or student-targeted packages. 
• Completing a degree abroad . Being a full-time student for multiple years as you complete a degree abroad looks similar to expat insurance. However, students may be able to qualify for a domestic insurance depending on your citizenship and the destination country. The best place to get information is the university’s international office or a health department that’s familiar with insurance for international students. 
• High school abroad . Typically, high school students won’t be traveling internationally solo. Teen travel programs should offer insurance as a part of the deal, so check in with an advisor to be sure what the benefits are. 
• Language school . Because many language school courses are short enough to fit into a tourist visa stay and students won’t theoretically be cliff diving, basic international insurance packages are a good fit. Depending on the program, you may be fit for a student insurance type of coverage, specially tailored to your needs.
• Adventure travel . Thinking of bungee jumping in Costa Rica or horseback riding in Mongolia? Because of the “living on the edge”, extreme sports aspect of adventure travel, you’ll need insurance that includes those kinds of riskier activities. Read into the find print and be certain that the kinds of activities you’re interested in are covered.
• Work abroad . Working abroad long-term means needing health insurance coverage abroad will almost certainly be a given. If your employer doesn’t provide it, then look into plans geared toward expats and working professionals. 

9. How do I find international travel-specific insurance?

A quick search for “international medical insurance” can yield a good number of reliable sources. Ultimately, quality health insurance abroad comes down to reading the fine print and knowing exactly what you’re getting. The U.S. Department of State provides a list of recommended insurance providers for international travel that’s definitely worth checking out. 

Take the scary out of travel abroad with the right international health insurance coverage!

Friends don’t let friends travel without having health insurance while abroad!

Securing a well-rounded health insurance coverage abroad should be one of the first items on that travel checklist ! Even if you don’t have a preexisting condition or need for medical attention while overseas, you can never anticipate emergencies and accidents. Because insurance is often a requirement for travel programs, international visas, and some types of employment abroad, it’s best to start researching ASAP to have a thorough understanding of it works and which plan fits best. 

Remember: Even if a medical risk is 0.01%, it’s a real risk that can put you financially in a pickle for your entire life. Get all your ducks in a row, secure an insurance plan, and then go forth to have the time of your life abroad worry-free! 

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Protect Your Trip »

Does your health insurance plan cover you while abroad.

A primer on figuring out if you're covered and advice on investing in supplemental insurance.

Does Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?

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First, determine if your plan covers emergency care abroad. Then decide if buying supplemental coverage is a smart decision based on factors like your itinerary and any pre-existing health conditions.

Picture this: You're traveling overseas and you come down with a fever. You don't speak the native language and you're uncertain if your health plan covers medical care, like a visit to a doctor or hospital, abroad.

While this is probably the last scenario you want to consider while planning your trip, medical emergencies happen. But here's the silver lining: You can easily find out what your insurance will cover while traveling abroad by asking your provider a few key questions. To determine what coverage you have, and what you'll need when traveling overseas, begin by asking these five questions.

1. What does my health plan cover overseas?

The level of medical coverage available for international travel can vary widely, depending on your domestic health care provider and plan. The State Department advises contacting your insurance company prior to your trip and inquiring about the specific medical services overseas that are included in your coverage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also encourages travelers to ask what's excluded from their policy, such as risky activities. And depending on what is available to you, the CDC advises considering a supplemental policy. The State Department also recommends inquiring about specifics such as whether the plan includes coverage for emergency evacuations to the U.S. and pre-existing medical conditions. You should also familiarize yourself with any out-of-pocket costs that you may encounter for medical procedures or services overseas.

[ Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .]

2. What if I have Medicare?

Keep in mind that  Medicare does not cover emergency medical service for travelers out of the country. There are some Medigap plans that can offer supplemental coverage but remember that there is a lifetime cap of $50,000 for foreign travel emergency coverage.

3. What about emergency medical evacuations?

Few domestic health insurance providers will pay to transport ill patients back to the United States. And emergency evacuations can be expensive, costing more than $100,000, depending on your health condition and where you're located at the time the emergency takes place. If you're visiting a place that's isolated or where the quality of health care is subpar, do a cost-benefit analysis of investing in a supplemental evacuation insurance plan.

4. Should I buy travel medical insurance for my next vacation?

It's a smart idea to consider investing in travel insurance . But before you make a final decision, you'll want to evaluate a variety of factors, including the type of trip you're planning and if you'll be taking part in risky activities, such as scuba diving or mountain climbing during your trip. According to the CDC, there are three types of insurance travelers should consider while traveling: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance.

And according to a report released by InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison and booking site, 75 percent of the site's consumers pick comprehensive travel insurance plans, which typically include emergency medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation coverage, trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage and baggage coverage.

Another important reason to consider purchasing travel health insurance is that travel health insurance can help fill any gaps in domestic health insurance coverage. Plus, travel health insurance can provide 24/7 emergency assistance to help aid you in the event of a medical emergency. A licensed travel insurance agent can provide advice on appropriate coverage limits and how to qualify for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

5. What if I have to file a claim?

A claim is typically required in order to request reimbursement for medical bills. Most providers will require all hospital records (usually translated if in a non-English language) and receipts in order to evaluate the validity of the claim.

Sign Up for STEP

Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to international travel. Doing so will notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your travel plans. The local embassy can also help connect American travelers with a local medical facility.  

Tags: Travel , health insurance , Travel Tips

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in August 2024

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.

How we found the best travel insurance

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.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under 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 .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

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.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz 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.

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.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

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.

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.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel 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.

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.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many 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.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For 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.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

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.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each 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.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

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.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While 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.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin 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.

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.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting 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.

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.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH 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.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

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

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

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.

Baggage delay

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.

Lost baggage

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.

Travel medical insurance

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.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to maximize your rewards

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

On a similar note...

2024 U.S. Election September 23, 2024

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Get Help with a Medical Emergency Abroad

If you or a U.S. citizen loved one become seriously ill or injured abroad, we can:

• Help locate appropriate medical services.
• Inform your family or friends, with your permission.
• Help  transfer funds  to U.S. citizens overseas.

The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses.

You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the  website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. 

Check Your Health Insurance – Are You Covered Abroad?

Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. 

Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit  Medicare.gov  for more information.

Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad. Very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. The cost may exceed $250,000, depending on your location and medical condition. Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. For more information, visit our webpage on Insurance Coverage Overseas . 

Traveling with Prescription Medications

• Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or passing through. Check to make sure your medications are allowed, particularly prescriptions for medical marijuana. You may need an import license or permit to travel with certain medications.
• Bring plenty of medicine for your trip. If possible, bring a few extra days’ worth in case of delays. You might not be able to get the same medication abroad.
• Carry a letter from the doctor. It should describe your medical condition. It should also list any prescription drugs and their generic names.
• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Entering a country with a prescription medication, even if legally obtained in the United States, could be illegal and result in your detention or arrest overseas.

Medical Tourism Abroad

Between 150,000 and 320,000 U.S. citizens travel abroad for medical care each year. Medical tourism includes cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other surgical procedures. 

If you are a U.S. citizen considering travel abroad for medical care, you should:

• Verify the doctor’s training, qualifications, and reputation. 
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Medical Tourism website for more information on medical tourism. 
• Check country information  for more information.

Inform Yourself About Vaccinations

Some Countries Require Vaccinations

Before you travel, check country information . You may need to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, also called a Yellow Card. You may also need to show proof of other inoculations or medical tests. Check also current requirements directly with the foreign embassies of the countries you are visiting.

Recommended Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention

Check the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  and World Health Organization (WHO)  websites for recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your destination. Review the CDC’s webpage on Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria .

Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications

• Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip, and if possible, a few extra days in case there are delays.
• Carry a letter from the attending physician that describes your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.
• Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or transiting to make sure your medications are permitted in that country. Some countries require an import license or permit to travel with certain medications.

Being Prepared for a Pandemic

Review the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information about pandemics. In a pandemic, virus control measures could affect your travel:

• Travel restrictions may prevent U.S. citizens from traveling internationally.
• Foreign governments may close borders suddenly or with little advance warning.
• Commercial air, land, and sea carriers could suspend some or all transportation services.
• Some countries may quarantine people who appear sick or test positive with the virus.

These developments could delay your travel or your return to the United States.

Other Health Considerations Abroad

• Review the CDC’s Traveler Advice.
• Review Traveling With Disabilities .
• Review Considerations for Older Travelers .

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Choose the plan that meets your needs and spend more time enjoying your international experience not worrying about your insurance coverage.

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What type of coverage do you need?

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Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary coverage for accidents, sicknesses, & emergency evacuations when visiting or traveling outside of your home country.

Popular Plans

International health insurance.

Annually renewable international private medical insurance coverage for expats and global citizens living or working internationally.

Travel Insurance

Coverage designed to protect you from financial losses should your trip be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled.

Traveler Services

Non-insurance services for worldwide emergency evacuation, field rescue, medical transport, and 24/7/365 travel assistance.

Enterprise Services

Meet your duty of care obligations with confidence, knowing your travelers are safe, healthy, and connected wherever they may be in the world.

What type of organization do you represent?

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Medical & Travel Assistance

Global workers' compensation case management, security assistance services, insurance administrative services, see prices & compare our travel medical plans.

T ravel Medical Insurance protects you in the event of an illness or injury when traveling outside of your country of residence. It provides key medical benefits in case of an emergency.

Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but unpredictable illnesses and accidents can happen. Even worse, the resulting medical bills can be overwhelming. The level of international medical coverage provided by your domestic insurance provider can vary greatly depending on your plan, so you may have very limited coverage or no coverage at all. A travel medical insurance plan can provide the coverage you need. For more information, check out our blog: " How to Choose the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan ."

Travel medical coverage is ideal for:

• International vacationers
• Relatives visiting from overseas
• People going on cruises, safaris or guided tours
• International business travelers
• Students studying abroad

International Medical Group ®  (IMG ® ) also offers travel insurance  that protects your health as well as your trip costs and travel expenses. And if you need long-term medical coverage, check out our  international health insurance . IMG plans include a wide range of medical benefits, protection, and support should a problem arise.

Popular Travel Medical Plans Ideal for Traveling Outside of Your Home Country

Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary first-class health insurance for individuals, families, and groups

• COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the U.S.
• Coverages for inside and outside the U.S. ( Patriot America Platinum / Patriot International Platinum )
• Short-term travel medical coverage
• Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
• Higher Limits & More Coverage than Patriot Lite Travel or Patriot Plus
• Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice

Summary of Benefits

iTravelInsured Travel SE

Family-friendly plan for domestic and international destinations

• Trip cancellation benefit up to 100% of trip cost
• Trip interruption benefit up to 150% of trip cost
• 24/7 access to telehealth services for non-emergency medical issues
• $250,000 per person medical expense coverage for unexpected illnesses & accidents while traveling (including COVID-19)
• Sickness, injury, or death of pet included as trip cancellation/trip interruption covered perils
• Travel protection plan consists of travel insurance and other non-insurance travel assistance services

Plan Benefits

The iTravelInsured Travel SE program is our most popular plan for domestic and international destinations. Travel Insurance benefits are available whether traveling on a cruise, tour or vacation abroad.

Patriot America Plus

Temporary health insurance for non-U.S. residents traveling to the USA

• Coverage for inside the U.S.
• Made for individuals, groups, and their dependents
• Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions*

Additional Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary health insurance for individuals, families, and groups when traveling outside of your home country.

Visitors Care

Temporary fixed coverage health insurance for non-U.S. residents when traveling outside of your home country.

Student & Scholar Insurance

Student health insurance plans tailored to fit the needs of international students involved in educational or cultural exchange.

GlobeHopper Senior

Temporary health insurance for travelers age 65+ when traveling outside of your home country.

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

Annual multi-trip travel medical insurance for individuals, families and groups.

Outreach Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary health insurance for missionaries and mission groups when traveling outside of your home country.

Need Extra Protection and Coverage?

Explore our travel insurance options.

Why Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?

D epending on where you travel, you may encounter language and currency barriers that prevent you from accessing high-quality medical care. Check out IMG’s Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance Now More Than Ever to learn more about some of these challenges.

Traveling unprotected can leave you vulnerable to paying high out-of-pocket medical expenses, and navigating a foreign health care system without the assistance you need.

However, with a travel medical insurance plan, you can worry less and experience more knowing you have medical coverage and a trusted health advisor who can support you in your time of need.

Get even more information by checking out our article,  “Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?”

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost? Less than $3 per day for an average plan.

Like other travelers, you may be wondering if the coverage is worth the cost. It may surprise you to learn that IMG’s travel medical plans can cost less than $3 per day (based on an average plan) and can provide coverage worth well beyond your initial cost. Pick a plan and get protected.

Factors that Determine Cost The cost of a plan varies based on many factors including:

Age of traveler.

Age is one of the primary factors that determines insurance rates. Each IMG plan has a complete breakdown of insurance rates based on ages that can be found in the plan brochure.

Destination

Medical expenses vary around the world. To provide the best balance of coverage and cost, plan coverage rates may be different for a traveler visiting the United States than they are for a traveler in a destination where healthcare is less expensive.

Duration of Trip

A breakdown of daily rates and monthly rates can be found in IMG plan brochures. If you need long-term coverage (1 year or more), view our international health insurance plans .

Deductible, Maximum Limit, & Additional Optional Coverage

Customize your plan by choosing the deductible amount, maximum limit, and any optional rider that is best for you.

When Is Travel Health Insurance required? Some countries may require you to purchase travel health insurance to gain entry.

Traveling to schengen countries.

Schengen countries require visa applicants to prove they have travel medical insurance to cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and more. Read our blog about  Countries that Require Travel Medical Insurance for Entry to learn more.

Other Situations

You may also be required to purchase travel health insurance depending on the purpose of your trip. The U.S., for example, requires those traveling on a J1 or J2 visa to maintain a certain level of medical coverage for the duration of their stay. However, if you're visiting the U.S. on a B2 visa, a travel medical insurance plan is only recommended. Find out How to Choose the Best Visitor Insurance Plan for You .

Travelers embarking on other trips — such as organized tours, working holiday schemes, mission trips, and cruises — may also be required to purchase coverage.

These are just a few reasons when you would be required to purchase Travel Medical Insurance. See the full list for 6 Times You Need to Purchase Travel Medical Insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you're planning a trip with multiple destinations, such as a vacation to Europe, you'll want to select the country that you plan on spending the most time in. Your travel medical insurance will cover you for the entirety of your trip and in countries outside of your own.

Yes, the insured does not have to be the one that fills out the application. You can purchase a travel medical plan for your parents, friends, or relatives as long as you have the necessary information.

As non-resident aliens, international students on F, J, M and Q visas (and certain family members of students) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first 5 years in the U.S. All other J categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the individual mandate for 2 years (out of the past six).

Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to purchase a plan that meets PPACA requirements and can purchase an appropriate IMG plan.

International Students – Exempt as Non-Resident Aliens

Under the IRS international student exemption , anyone “temporarily in the United States on an “F”, “J”, “M”, or “Q” visa for the primary purpose of studying at an accredited academic institution or vocational school (and certain family members of students), and who substantially complies with the requirements of that visa,” is exempt from being treated as a resident alien, and is therefore exempt from the individual mandate as a non-resident alien.

That exemption applies for 5 years. After 5 years, a student is no longer exempt, and the substantial presence test must be applied. See examples here .

Even after 5 years in the U.S., an international student may continue to be a non-resident alien for tax purposes under the “Closer Connection” exception if they can prove that they still have a closer connection to their home country than to the U.S.

The Individual Mandate and Alien / Non-Alien Status

The IRS provides a questions and answers page on the individual mandate. Question 11 asks whether all individuals living in the U.S. are subject to the mandate. The answer is that U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents are subject to the mandate, as are “foreign nationals who are in the U.S. long enough during a calendar year to qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes.” Thus, non-resident aliens are not subject to the individual mandate, even if they have to file a tax return.

Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?

The IRS states that you are a non-resident alien unless you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test.

Under IRS Publication 519 , Tax Guide for Aliens (the green card test), green card holders are resident aliens for tax purposes. The substantial presence test uses a formula to count the number of days present in the U.S. over the past 3 years. Generally, you a resident alien after six months of presence in the U.S. – unless you are exempt.

IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. However, since most PPACA plans do not provide the types of international benefits and assistance that travelers need, you should strongly consider purchasing an international travel medical plan such as IMG’s Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance for coverage while you travel outside of the U.S.

If you are a U.S. citizen, national or an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:

• Individuals not residing in the U.S.
• Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes). See Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?
• Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months.
• Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of
• household income).
• Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths).
• Members of a health care sharing ministry.
• Incarcerated individuals.
• Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold; and
• Members of Indian tribes

In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs.

However, please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.

IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. If you are a U.S. citizen, national or legal resident alien in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:

• Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes).  See Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien? 
• Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months
• Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of household income)
• Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths)
• Members of a health care sharing ministry
• Incarcerated individuals

You will not need PPACA coverage for short-term travel to the U.S., unless you are considered an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S. See I am a Non-U.S. citizen covered under a Global Medical Insurance Plan .

In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs .

However please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.

The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," commonly known as PPACA, was first introduced as a measure to deal with rising healthcare costs and numbers of uninsured.

The heart of PPACA consists of three provisions: guaranteed issue (insurers must offer coverage regardless of the applicant's health status or pre-existing conditions), community rating (insurers must offer policies within a given territory at the same price regardless of health status, age, gender, or other factors), and an individual mandate. The individual mandate assures that everyone has a minimum amount of coverage: those above a certain annual income are required to purchase coverage or incur a tax penalty; those who cannot afford it will have their coverage paid for by the government.

As PPACA continues to be implemented and challenged throughout the country, understanding the issues and implications for the international insurance industry and your business becomes all the more important.

Insurance prices are regulated by the government - you won't find a better price on IMG insurance plans anywhere else.  

IMG plans provide you access to more than 17,000 providers through our International Provider Access (IPA) while you're outside of the United States. Our multilingual customer service centers, claims administrators, and 24-hour emergency care coordinators are ready if the unforeseen does happen during your mission trip. 

Visitors should plan to get insurance after they plan their trip and receive their visa, but before they arrive in the U.S. The effective dates for coverage should match their visa.

If you were to suffer an injury or get sick while visiting the United States, you might be surprised by the cost of medical care. You may also be surprised by the limited assistance your domestic insurance provider can provide while you're visiting. Visitor insurance coverage in the U.S. helps to ensure that you don't incur any unforeseen expenses, receive excellent care, and get home quickly and safely if anything were to happen during your visit. 

In addition to the medical and health coverage, healthcare provider access, and other benefits you expect from IMG plans, we offer missionary-specific insurance benefits like coverage for furlough and political evacuations. See your plan befits information for more!

Once your plan is purchased and you have your plan documents, you will have the information you'll need to complete your school's waiver. 

Check with your school to get your waiver status. 

To show proof of insurance, simply download or print a copy of the ID card and/or confirmation letter and provide it to your school's program administrator.

IMG plans include customization options and add-ons, including add-on coverage for high school sports, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, personal liability and legal assistance. 

If you are applying for coverage under the Patriot series of plans, IMG will process your application and send your ID card and other documents within one business day. If you are applying for coverage under the Global or Group series, IMG will process your application within three to four business days following the receipt of all required information, and your materials will be forwarded the same day coverage is approved. Every attempt will be made to process your application timely. The specific time frame depends largely on the type of coverage for which you are applying. 

This is not an offer to enter into an insurance contract. This is only a summary and shall not bind the company or require the company to offer or write any insurance at any particular rate or to any particular group or individual. The information on this page does and will not affect, modify or supersede in any way the policy, certificate of insurance and governing policy documents (together the "Insurance Contract"). The actual rates and benefits are governed by the Insurance Contract and nothing else. Benefits are subject to exclusions and limitations.

Select why you are away from home.

Get plan recommendations and helpful resources., government services.

• "Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, IMG was a godsend throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance." Joan D. United States

" I took comfort in the fact that IMG had my back. "

While skiing in Chile, Mark, an IMG member, found himself on the brink of paralysis.

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Russia Health Insurance

Global health insurance in russia for foreigners.

Find the Best International Medical Insurance

• Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
• Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
• Find the best plan for your needs and budget

Overview of Russia’s Healthcare System

Russia’s constitution has provided citizens with the right to free healthcare since 1996. Russia’s healthcare is provided by the state through the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund. It is regulated by the Ministry of Health. Russia’s public health care plan is often referred to as OMI or obligatory medical insurance. It is funded through payroll contributions and employer contributions.

OMI covers the cost of inpatient care and all procedures that require an overnight stay at the hospital, plus chronic conditions, maternal and newborn care, vaccinations, and more.

Read: Understanding Russia’s Healthcare System

Benefits of Private Medical Insurance in Russia

It is not common for citizens to hold private or “voluntary” insurance from independent companies in Russia. The term “voluntary” is used to distinguish private insurance from public or “mandatory” state-sponsored insurance. Only about 5% of the population takes out private insurance. However, this is higher in Moscow at about 20%. That said, while it isn’t common among the local population, a private medical plan is essential for foreigners.

Private medical facilities have modern medical equipment, shorter waiting times, and greater access to specialist care. Unfortunately, they’re not always easy to find. Private facilities are most commonly associated with cities, as healthcare options in rural areas are limited. If you live or spend a lot of time in remote areas, choose a policy that includes air evacuations as an option.

Most importantly, a private insurance plan means access to English-speaking staff. While some physicians in Russia speak English, this is far from a guarantee in public facilities. Private health plans help patients avoid this difficult situation. Your insurance team ensures there’s a doctor you can communicate with when it matters most.

Best Global Insurance Plan for Expatriates Living in Russia

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
• Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Best Health Insurance in Russia for US Citizens

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

• Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
• Define your deductible and prescription benefits
• For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad

Pros and Cons of Using the Local Health Care System

There was a time when Russia’s healthcare system was second to none. It had a reputation for being innovative and embracing cutting-edge science. There are still some traces of this once-renowned system if you look carefully. For instance, there are about 9.3 hospital beds per 1,000 members of the population. This is nearly double the OECD average. However, Russia’s healthcare system has suffered considerably since the end of the Soviet Union.

Russia is struggling to return back to the level of investment it once had. As such, access to specialists and modern diagnostic equipment can be a problem, especially for those in rural areas. Many hospitals are old and in dire need of updating. Russia’s financial crisis of 2014 only made this situation worse as hospital budgets were cut. In short, Russia’s hospitals are not places you want to be unless you really need treatment

How Expats Can Qualify For Russia Health Insurance

Public health insurance is available to anyone who is legally living and working in Russia. However, it’s not enough to start your new job and hope for the best. Foreigners are required to hold private medical insurance in order to get a Russian work visa before they arrive. As such, you are covered for any medical emergency in the time period between when you arrive in the country and when you start working,

For those who cannot contribute to OMI, including retirees who are not working, you can still access free public healthcare as part of a program that takes care of the unemployed, children, and those unable to work.

What You Need To Know About Processes

For expats employed by Russian companies, the process of signing up for Russia health insurance is relatively easy. Employers finance OMI through payroll contributions. Your employer will pay between two and three percent of your salary into a social tax. A percentage of this tax is then paid into Russia’s national healthcare fund. Once your employer pays this contribution, you are considered enrolled in the health system. As such, you have the right to free medical care from public clinics and hospitals.

How To Find A Family Physician

Compared to other countries, there are relatively few general practitioners in Russia versus the number of specialist practitioners. As such, finding a family physician can be challenging. Most new expats ask their friends, colleagues, and other expats for recommendations for a clinic in their neighborhood. In Russia, there are virtually no private physician offices. Nearly all doctors see their patients in a clinic or a hospital environment.

Read: Hospitals in Russia for Foreigners and Visitors

How Routine Doctor Visits Work in Russia

Finding a general practitioner in Russia is essential. Your GP is the only person who can refer you to specialists or hospitals. The process of finding a GP, arranging for a referral, and waiting for an appointment slot with that specialist can take months. Therefore, it’s important to connect with your doctor long before you’re sick, if possible.

Your GP is also responsible for providing prescriptions for medication. Medication can only be obtained from a local pharmacy. Patients will find a variety of stand-alone, independent pharmacies, and larger chains, some of which operate out of supermarkets. In major cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, there are 24-hour pharmacies and those that offer delivery. However, an estimated 70% of medication sold in Russia is either counterfeit or of a low quality. Speak with your embassy and other expats for their trusted recommendations.

Read: Find an International Doctor

Public Health and Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is a concern throughout Russia. St Petersburg’s water system, in particular, is known for having problems with the parasite Giardia. An estimated 56% of Moscow’s water supply fails safety standards and is tainted by pollution and heavy metals. As a result, it’s common for hotels and other large properties to have their own water filtration system. However, when in doubt, it’s best to opt for bottled water over tap water.

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Best travel Insurance for Russia, Travel health insurance Russia

Compare and buy travel insurance, russia travel insurance requirements, do we need travel insurance for travel to russia.

Travel insurance for Russia is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for travelers from the USA. It is essential to have travel medical insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed luggage, and other unforeseen events during your trip to Russia.

Which is the best insurance for travel to Russia?

Patriot International Lite: Best travel insurance for Russia with coverage for US and Non US citizens. Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to maximum limit up to 70 years.

Best insurance plans for travel to Russia

How to compare & buy cheapest travel insurance for russia.

Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.

• Compare the cost of Russia insurance for tourists and review the benefits to identify what fits your needs best.
• Buy health insurance for Russia Now that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application. You can contact American Visitor Insurance, we are open 24 hours, 7 days a week with customer support staff in different time zones of the country.
• Review the travel insurance documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

Best health travel insurance for Russia

Travel insurance to russia from usa.

Russia being between Europe and Asia has a rich fascinating cultural history and is also famous for art and architecture, especially in charming St Petersburg and in the capital Moscow. It has the longest river of Europe, the Volga, Ladoga largest lake, Ladoga. Russia also is home to Baikal Lake which is popular as the world's deepest lake. Russia is one of the popular travel destinations for tourists from all around the globe and millions of tourists visit Russia each year..

There are many US tourists who visited Russia to explore the country. There are nearly 250,000 US tourists who traveled to Russia annually before the Covid pandemic. According to the US Embassy there were 30,000 Americans living in Russia. The best time to visit Russia is during the summers from June to August.

Travelers from the US to Russia need to be prepared for any medical & travel circumstances that may occur while travelling. Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies along with insuring the trip costs.

A good US travel insurance plan will provide coverage for medical expenses incurred while you are staying in Russia in case of any injury or illness. They can also consider covering the Trip Cancellation or Trip Delay expenses. This could insure the money spent on the vacation or the cruise bookings in case it had to be cancelled for any reason.

Best travel insurance to Russia

Russia, the world's largest nation in terms of area and with a population of around 145 million has something of interest for everyone. Starting with historic cities which are home to amazing museums to diverse rustic landscapes, incredible train journeys to lively nightlife, the country has it all.

Russia has been witnessing a steady increase in tourism since the end of the Soviet era. The country is home to 23 UNESCO world heritage sites. Expectedly, the most popular Russian tourist destination is Moscow.

Moscow is home to world famous museums and renowned theaters like the Bolshoi theatre. Another must see destination is St Petersburg which is the cultural town of Russia and a great place to understand Russian culture and history. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 as the imperial capital, St Petersburg with a colourful and chequered history,

is now a bustling metropolis. It is also a treasure trove of ancient delights. A visit to St Petersburg is incomplete without seeing the art of Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world.

Best Russia travel insurance from USA

Russia - general information, popular tourist destinations in russia.

A sightseeing trip here will take at least half a day and the place to experience what life must have been like during the golden age of the Roman Empire.

Kizhi Island

The picturesque islands offer beaches that rival those of Bali in their beauty, as well as opportunities for diving and even snorkeling at a turtle sanctuary.

St Sophia Cathedral

Saint Sophia Cathedral features an array of ancient religious artifacts, including The Mother of God of the Sign, an icon that legend says saved Novgorod from attack in 1169.

Suzdal is the jewel of Russia’s “Golden Ring,” ancient cities that the country has preserved as living museums of Russia’s cultural past.

Travel insurance to Moscow and popular cities in Russia

Travel insurance for Popular Ocean Cruises in Russia

Cheapest travel insurance to russia.

Sochi which is a coastal resort in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region is yet another popular destination. Sochi has cemented its position as a popular sporting city by hosting big sporting events such as the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games in 2014. The city boasts of a brilliant infrastructure for tourists and offers great opportunities for sports enthusiasts with options ranging from mountain climbing, hang-gliding, diving, sailing, aqua bikes and skiing.

Then there is Lake Baikal ! Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake with a depth of a mile in to the earth. The lake contains nearly 20 percent of the world’s fresh water! It is also abundant with wildlife namely foxes, sables, bears, some rare and endangered freshwater seals.

In fact the Unesco refers to Lake Baikal as the “the Galápagos of Russia.” The Olkhon Island which is lake Baikal’s largest island is also a place of piligrimage for Buddhists.

US and International tourists visiting Russia should however ensure that they have proper Travel Insurance for Russia while traveling there. At American Visitor Insurance, we offer Russia Travel Insurance provided by known US insurance providers.

At American Visitor Insurance® our customers can find cheap travel insurance in Russia by comparing plans from top rated insurance providers. We have different vacation insurance for Russia like travel insurance to Moscow covering benefits like medical evacuation, coverage for pre-existing conditions.. travellers can choose travel insurance Russia visa based on the price and on coverage details to make an informed decision.

The travel insurance for Russia visa frequently asked questions (FAQ) section helps customers clearly understand coverage benefits and exclusions in an easy to understand manner.

Travel insurance Russia visa letter as required for travel to Russia

All the travel insurance plans that are available from our compare engine provide a VISA LETTER which is the official document that you must show to be allowed to board the plane to go to Russia (and upon arrival).

While it is enough to have it available on your phone, a hard copy can be a good back up if you can arrange it. Access to the Russia travel insurance visa letter varies depending on the exact company you purchase from. Regardless, if you have any issues with getting the required Russia visa letter document, please call us as soon as possible so we can assist you!

Travel Insurance Russia, Travel medical insurance Russia - FAQ's

1.  what is the best russia travel insurance.

This is a great question and we strive to answer this question to the best of our ability. Given the different needs of different travelers there is not one policy that is always best for everyone. If you are a traveler with concerns about a pre-existing medical condition that cause an emergency, then you will be looking at different plans when compared to someone without a life-threatening pre-existing condition.

We endeavor to give our clients as much information as possible so they can find the Russia travel insurance plan that is best. If you want more guidance, our licensed agents are here to help you with your choice!

2.  How do I file a travel insurance Russia claim ?

The Russia travel insurance claim can be filed by submitting the scanned copy of the hospital bill and receipts to the insurance company over the email along with the completed claim form. The customer gets the money reimbursed from the insurance company after they receive the bill.

If the hospital provider and insurance company agree for the direct billing, then the doctor's provider can directly send the bill to the insurance company and they can pay the money directly to the doctor. More details …

3.  Do I need travel insurance for Russian visa?

The healthcare costs in Russia is expensive and it is important to buy best travel insurance to Russia. This is true for both US as well as international travelers visiting Russia.

Even though it might not compulsory to have travel health insurance while visiting Russia, it is nonetheless very important to buy good short term medical insurance for Russia visitors to insure oneself against being forced to pay for healthcare facilities while on a vacation. Customers can compare and find cheap travel insurance for Russia and buy the most appropriate plan for their needs.

4.  Why American visitor insurance?

American Visitor Insurance works with reputed US travel insurance providers to give US and international travelers a wide range of travel insurance options. We have two decades experience in understanding the diverse needs of US citizens and international travelers and in offering appropriate travel insurance options to them.

Our typical customers range from US citizens on vacation, international travelers visiting the US, international students, J visa holders, H1b Visa holders, US travelers going overseas, travelers to Schengen countries needing travel insurance for visa requirements, trip cancellation customers to insurance their trip expenses, corporate professionals and business travelers who travel internationally regularly as well as other diverse traveling groups with unique needs.

Our licensed customer support team provide service at all times helping travelers find the most appropriate travel insurance for their needs as well as guide them when using the insurance in the event of a medical or travel emergency.

We also provide answers to all international travel insurance questions, reviews of different products, testimonials for customers as well as provide an user friendly travel insurance comparison tool where travelers can compare different products based on price as well as the coverage benefits. All of these tools help travelers make an informed decision while buying travel insurance.

5.  Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

Absolutely! This is when we recommend that you buy your travel insurance, soon after you have travel dates set. You can, however, change dates later should you need to with most policies.

6.  How much does international travel medical insurance cost?

International travel medical insurance is very reasonably priced in the context of high healthcare costs. Coverage is only for sudden illness or accident, but can include baggage loss and trip interruption. The price is based on the age of the insured and the length of time they need it for.

Travel insurance for acute onset of pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance for Asthma

Travel insurance for Arthritis

Travel insurance for Diabetes

Travel insurance for Heart Ailment

Travel insurance for Cholesterol

Travel insurance for Hypertension

Travel insurance from Russia to USA

Cheapest travel insurance usa from russia.

The United States is a country with multi cultures, famous monuments and natural wonders which makes the country one of the most desired tourist destinations around the globe. Tourism in the US is a huge business that serves millions of tourists each year. The Russian immigration to the US started early in the colonial period and since then there have been many waves of the Russian immigration.

The Russian immigrants have significantly contributed to the American society and economy of the country. The Russian Americans are the second largest East Slavic European community in the US.There are many Russian travelers who visit the USA both to meet their family and relatives settled there as well as to explore the nation.

There are approximately 2.9 million people in the US with Russian ancestry. There were 257000 visitors to the U.S. from Russia. Many Russians travelers visit the US for vacation, work and to meet friends and family.

Health insurance for Russian students studying abroad

International travel insurance usa from russias.

There is a large Russian community in the US. This Russian community retains strong ties with family members in Russia, who often visit them in the US. It is important for Russian travellers to have proper visitors medical insurance coverage while in the US.

We offer a wide range of travel insurance options which are specially designed for international travelers. Since we work with many insurance providers, customers can compare visitors medical plans and make an educated decision quickly buy using the quote comparison utility that we provide.

Our quote facility displays the premiums as well as other important information about the insurance plans. The medical benefits offered by these insurance plans can be very significant in case of any medical emergency.

What does visitors medical insurance cover?

Usa visa health insurance, visitor visa health insurance usa.

USA B1 visa health Insurance for temporary business visitor.

US B2 visitors visa health insurance for tourists.

F2 visa medical insurance for dependents of F1 visa.

F1 visa health insurance for international students in USA.

J1 visa insurance for exchange scholars in educational/cultural exchange programs.

Health insurance for US green card holders.

Health insurance for fiancé(e) who marry U.S. citizens.

H1B visa insurance for skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations.

Travel insurance for tourists in USA, tourist insurance USA.

H4 visa insurance for dependents of H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders.

Travel insurance for Russia

History and statistics of russian immigrants in the usa.

The Russian immigration to the US started early in the colonial period and since then there have been many waves of the Russian immigration. The Imperial Russians who wanted freedom from the religious persecution were some of the early Russian groups who migrated to the US.

In the early 20th century, a large group of Russians immigrants known as White emigres choose to move to US. This was mainly between 1917-1922 during the October Revolution and the Russian Civil War.

The majority of Russians immigration occurred in the second half of the 20th century. The first wave of immigration between 1968-1980s brought roughly about one-quarter million Jews from the Soviet Union mainly because of political reasons and economic reasons.

A second wave which was the largest wave started in the late 1980s and comprised of 1.5 million Russian immigrants. Getting an exit visa for the Russian immigrants was difficult due to many administrative barriers placed by the Soviet government.

The US had a virtual “open door” policy that granted refugee status to all candidates who applied in the transit centers and thus moved to the US. A large number were granted employment along with immediate relatives who were granted visas by the end of 1990s. By the end of the 1990s, an increasing proportion were granted employment, diversity, or “immediate relative” visas. The Russian immigrants have significantly contributed to the American society and economy of the country.

Many of the immigrants were from the higher classes of the Russian Empire who contributed immensely towards American science and culture. Russian immigrants today can be identified as ethnic Russian and Russian Jews. The Russian Americans are the second largest East Slavic European community in the US. In 1990 according to Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard there are 750,000 Russian Americans with Russians ancestry in the US.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the end of the cold war, the relationship between the US and Russia is at a cross roads. Several Russians given the current socio-political time seek for opportunities to migrate out of Russia. Migrating to a new country for better economic opportunities is exciting but it is crucial that all new immigrants to the USA have good health insurance on arrival.

Healthcare in the US is very expensive and good US immigrant health insurance will provide coverage for medical expenses incurred in case of any injury or illness. Buying US immigrant insurance is easy at American Visitor Insurance and new immigrants can compare several plans for prices and benefits according to their specific needs.

The 24/7 customer support service by licensed agents will provide answers to all questions by the customers with instant policy documents by Email. Feel free to give us a call or email us and one of our customer support licensed agents will be able to help you.

Immigrant insurance for Russian Professionals in the USA

The US has had made a huge mark on global culture thanks to its movies and TV shows as well as the economic opportunities provided by its innovative and dynamic economy. The US also has a long history of welcoming immigrants and visitors from all backgrounds, providing great working conditions and offering excellent career opportunities in diverse fields.

All of these factors have made the US an ideal destination for millions of well qualified professionals who wish to migrate overseas for work. Russian professionals migrating to the US looking for better economic opportunities can be seen from the colonial times, the soviet era till the current times.

Between 1991-2001 the growth of hi-tech industry in the US created the brain drain effect and attracted several scientists and engineers to leave Russia to pursue careers in the US. The Russian software engineers accounted for almost 30% of Microsoft production in 2002.According to the National Science Foundation in 2003 there were 20,000 Russian scientists working in the US.

While immigrating to the US and staying away from home, it is important that one should have good immigrant medical insurance. The US health care is very expensive and visiting an US hospital without insurance is scary, as one may land up in huge financial loss.

A good immigrant insurance plan will provide coverage for unexpected medical emergencies that you may occur during ones stay in the US. American visitor insurance works with the best US insurance providers to offer excellent immigrant insurance options at guaranteed best price.

American visitor insurance provides tools to compare several immigrant insurance plans based on prices and benefits. Buying US immigrant medical insurance is easy at American Visitor Insurance. For more details you can call or email us for further assistance and one of our licensed agents will help you.

US visitors medical insurance for US Expats in Russia

Americans find working outside the US both exciting and challenging and that the global exposure is also good for their career. Several Americans choose to explore opportunities in Russia which has been a popular Expat destination which offers immigrant’s an advanced economy, a friendly neighborhood, low-cost of living along with an excellent quality of life.

The affordable Russian healthcare facilities also attracts many Expats all around the globe. After the cold war several new opportunities for American businessmen opened in Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Central Asia. The Russian government have highly qualified specialist work visa for Expats who wish to live and work in Russia. According to the US Embassy there were 30,000 Americans living in Russia in 2018.

Expats who live outside of their home country should be prepared for all uncertainties that may arise while living and working in a foreign environment. One should remember that while many developed nations offer the best healthcare systems, it is also expensive. Visiting a hospital without insurance is scary in case of any sudden illness or injury. It is important that US Expats to have good Expat medical insurance.

Many US Expats living in Russia travel back home to the US quite often. This is particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas when millions of US expats travel back to the US to spend time with family and friends. It is important to US citizens living outside the US buy visiting home to have short term travel health insurance while visiting the US. Short term travel medical insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling to the US.

At American Visitors Insurance one can compare several plans both for prices and benefits using the comparison tool. On buying the travel insurance, one will get instant policy documents by Email. The 24/7 customer support assistance by one of the licensed service agents will provide answers to all questions by customers. Feel free to give us a call or email us and one of our customer support licensed agents will be able to help you.

US visitor medical insurance for tourists from USA visiting Russia

Russia being between Europe and Asia has a rich fascinating cultural history and is also famous for art and architecture. Russia is one of the popular travel destinations for tourists from all around the globe and millions of tourists visit Russia each year. There are many US tourists who visited Russia to explore the country and in 2019 itself there were 241,000 American tourists who traveled to Russia.

Going for a holiday overseas requires comprehensive arrangements and one should keep in mind the inconveniences that can be caused due to changes in weather, food and long travel. international travel insurance can provide one with coverage for any unexpected medical and travel emergencies and one can also insure the trip costs along with the health of the traveler.

American visitor insurance offers customers some of the best US insurance travel insurance plans. They work with several top US insurance providers and offer the guaranteed best prices along with coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. On buying the insurance one will get policy documents by Email. There is also 24/7 customer support available with licensed US insurance agents. For more details you can call the customer service or email us and we will be glad to help you.

US visitor medical insurance for tourists from Russia visiting USA

The United States is a country with multi cultures, famous monuments and natural wonders which makes the country one of the most desired tourist destinations around the globe. Tourism in the US is a huge business that serves millions of tourists each year. There are many Russian travelers who visit the USA both to meet their family and relative’s settled there as well as to explore the nation. In 2019 itself there were 257000 visitors to the U.S. from Russia.

Traveling to the US for an exciting vacation is thrilling but international travel can be sometimes risky. This is particularly true for older travellers as it increases the risk for unexpected medical emergencies. International travel insurance provide one with the coverage for unexpected medical and travel emergencies. It can insure the trip costs as well as the health of traveler.

American visitor insurance offers customers some of the best US insurance plans at guaranteed best prices. There are plans that insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage. One can compare several plans for prices and benefits and get answers to FAQ's by customers will guide you to make an informed decision.

Purchasing US visitor medical insurance is easy at American visitor insurance. On purchasing the insurance one will get policy documents by Email with 24/7 customer support by licensed US insurance agents. For more details you can call our customer service or email us and we will be glad to help you.

Best travel insurance USA from Russia – FAQ’s

1.  why is travel insurance for usa so expensive.

There is no denying that travel insurance to USA is unfortunately very expensive. The main reason for this is simply because the cost of healthcare in the USA is very expensive and the travel insurance USA costs are directly related to the healthcare costs.

One more factor for some USA travel insurance plans to be very expensive is that there are specially designed travel insurance for USA plans available for older travelers, with higher medical coverage as well as some plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments.

2.  How to buy travel insurance ? How to find the best international travel health insurance ?

There are many international travel health insurance plans for coverage both in the USA as well as around the world offered by US insurance providers. Given the several travel insurance international options, it can be confusing to find the best health insurance for international travel for your needs.

What is very useful in making this decision is to compare travel insurance USA of different companies. The travel insurance comparison allows travelers compare prices as well as coverage benefits in an objective manner.

The traveler can change relevant factors like the medical maximum coverage required, the international traveler insurance deductible, any international travel health insurance plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments...

The global travel insurance comparison also allows travelers to buy the best travel insurance based on ones needs by completing an online application and paying using a credt card. One completing the purchase the travel insurance plan is emailed to the customer.

Trip insurance vs Travel health coverage vs Global medical insurance

Confused whether to buy trip, travel or global health insurance? Understand the differences!

Steps to buy US visitor travel insurance online

  1: finding the best health insurance for foreigners,   2: compare the different travel insurance options.

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

  3: Buy the US travel health insurance that you like best

Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

  4: Review insurance plan documents received by email

Review the international travel health insurance policy for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

Factors to buy best travel medical insurance USA

Age of the traveler.

The cost of medical insurance for travelers is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.

Type of US travel health insurance

Comprehensive insurance provides exhaustive coverage but is more expensive than fixed benefit insurance which has a specified limit for each treatment.

Medical maximum coverage

The price of visitors insurance is directly dependent on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.

Region of coverage

Travel insurance depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor insurance for the United States is most expensive when compared to Europe or Asia.

Duration of travel insurance

The cost of trip insurance directly depends on the length of travel. The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Any add on benefits

Additional add-on benefits to the basic insurance for tourist plan like adventure sports coverage, coverage for pre-existing conditions… will add to the overall cost.

Different types of US Visitors travel insurance

Fixed benefit travel insurance.

A fixed benefit or scheduled benefits travel insurance plan is the cheapest US travel insurance plan, however this is because the Fixed benefit travel insurance have a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit international travel medical insurance works well for small ailments but can be inadequate for more serious medical conditions involving hospitalisation.

Comprehensive travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance provide full coverage for medical expenses up to the policy medical maximum limit. As opposed to fixed benefit international travel medical insurance there are no coverage limits for each benefit. It is much more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but also provides significantly superior coverage especially in case of a serious medical emergency or hospitalisation.

Types of travel insurance

Single trip travel insurance.

Compare and buy best US Single trip insurance for travel within the US and overseas

Single Trip vs MultiTrip Travel Insurance

Compare Single trip vs multi trip insurance plans offered by US insurers.

Travel tips for international travelers

Travel tips for international travelers – Safety, Comfort and Wellness.

Best travel health insurance in USA information

Travel medical insurance USA resources International travel insurance resources for USA visa holders.

Factors for travel insurance USA online Factors for the best travel insurance to USA.

Types of USA tourist insurance online Different types of tourist insurance for USA.

USA Vacation insurance claims procedure Trip insurance claims process for getting medical care.

Travel insurance to USA from Russia links

Travel insurance for usa faq, usa travel insurance blog, traveler insurance to usa forum, find the best us visitor insurance coverage - blogs and articles, affordable travel insurance online.

Fixed benefit or scheduled benefit plans are the most affordable international travel insurance plans.

Best international travel insurance

International travel insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions which many older travelers look for.

Compare US travel insurance online

Compare quotes online for best travel insurance online, Fixed vs comprehensive travel insurance USA.

Advantages of buying travel insurance online

Compare and buy the best travel medical insurance plans online.

Buy cheap travel insurance

There are many cheap international insurance plans also known as visitor insurance plans.

How does travel insurance work?

Coinsurance & Deductible - How visitor travel insurance works.

Best international medical insurance

Travel insurance - pre-existing conditions coverage.

Compare and buy best pre-existing plans

International travel insurance resources

Compare and buy international travel insurance USA

Travel insurance for trip cancellation for Non US residents

Information about US mobile passport control and TSA pre check for US passport holders.

Travel insurance for Russian citizens visiting Europe

Russians visiting schengen countries.

Travel Insurance is mandatory while applying for the Schengen visa which allows you to travel to 29 countries in Europe. The Schengen state consulates have guidelines for the insurance which satisfy visa requirements.

Coverage for emergency cases, hospital stays, evacuation is a minimum requirement that can put your mind at ease when you are in a foreign country with many unknown factors related to medical affairs of that country. We have several plans for people all over the world visiting European countries which satisfy Schengen visa requirements. Nationalities who require Schengen visa.

Schengen visa insurance requirements

• Travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros (about $50,000 USD)
• A repatriation benefit.
• An emergency medical evacuation benefit.

Popular outbound destination among Russian travelers

Us visitors insurance providers.

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure, GeoBlue, HTH Worldwide and INF insurance.

More international travel insurance categories

Visitors insurance USA

USA New immigrant Insurance

US visa health insurance

Senior Citizen travel insurance

Pre-existing visitors insurance

J1 Visa health insurance

International student Insurance

Green Card medical insurance

International Medical Insurance

Cruises Travel Insurance

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What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is your last line of defense if something goes wrong on a trip—it pays for unexpected expenses like lost bags, cancelled flights, and medical emergencies. But not all policies are created equal.

So you’re planning a trip and someone asked you if you have travel insurance. Wait, what? Yes, at this point, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask yourself (and the internet): what is travel insurance?

For years, I didn’t know anything about travel insurance, and I went without it. Knowing what I do now, I’ve come to believe that if you can’t afford a travel insurance policy, you can’t afford to travel.

Essentially, travel insurance covers expenses from unforeseen events like a canceled trip, lost bag, or medical treatment.

It’s important to understand how it works so you can pick the right plan. Ready? Let’s dive right into the details of travel insurance.

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

If you’re just here for a quick and dirty answer, let’s get right down to it.

When you travel, you take on risk, whether you know it or not. You put down a lot of money on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. But what if your trip gets canceled? Oops, looks like you’re out a lot of cash.

Plus, did you know that regular health insurance plans usually don’t provide any coverage outside your home country?

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected events like these. You pay a relatively small up-front fee to a company in exchange for a guarantee that they will pay for expenses that are covered by a specific policy.

Travel insurance policies typically include two different categories of protection: trip coverage and emergency medical coverage.

• Trip insurance includes protection for the expenses of your trip. If your trip is canceled or interrupted (for a covered reason), the company will reimburse you for the cost. Trip coverage can also include reimbursements for lost baggage, delayed flights, rental car damage, and more.
• Emergency medical insurance is exactly what it sounds like. If you are injured or become ill overseas, your regular health insurance may not pay for your care. Travel medical coverage includes overseas care or emergency medical evacuation if needed.

There you have it. That’s the basics of how travel insurance works, and no, it isn’t that complicated. If you want to get into more details, let’s keep going.

Different Types of Travel Insurance

Did you know that there’s more than one type of travel insurance?

Yep, it can be broken up into several categories, from single trip insurance to long-term healthcare designed for digital nomads. The type of insurance you need will depend entirely on your trip, your destination, how often you travel, and your personal preferences.

Single-trip comprehensive coverage is most often the best choice, but not always. Here are the most important types of travel insurance so you can pick the right coverage type for you.

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers every aspect of your travel, from luggage to trip cancellations to emergency medical bills. For most people most of the time, this is what I recommend. I’ll dive deeper into every aspect of comprehensive travel insurance soon.
• Travel Medical Insurance only covers medical expenses, so you don’t get any of the trip expense coverage. Travel medical plans range from emergency coverage to full-fledged health care for living abroad.
• Single Trip Travel Insurance Insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance for a single trip. You enter your destination and travel dates to get covered during your trip.
• Annual Travel Insurance is, again, pretty straightforward. Rather than covering a single trip, annual plans include all your travels for an entire year. Note that there are often limits on how many days abroad in the year are covered.
• Nomad Travel Insurance (like the Nomad Insurance Plan from SafetyWing) is designed for people living long-term outside their home country. It typically renews monthly.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Any travel insurance policy has a lot of pieces to it, and sometimes the legalese terminology can be difficult to understand. The most important thing to understand is what is covered, and what isn’t. After all, you want to know what you’re paying for, right?

There are many varieties of travel insurance; essentially, they all just mix and match different coverages. Here are the most common things that a plan covers, and how that coverage works.

Trip Cancellation Coverage

If you have a lot of prepaid nonrefundable trip costs, the idea of having to cancel your trip can be scary. You’ve put hundreds or thousands of dollars into your upcoming trip, and you would lose all that money if your travel plans change.

Life happens though, and there’s always a chance that you get sick, a natural disaster happens, your house floods, you get called in for jury duty, or something else bad happens that causes you to cancel your trip.

That’s where trip cancellation coverage comes in. If you have a travel insurance plan, you can file a claim, and the company will refund the total trip cost.

Yep, that’s pretty cool.

It’s important to know that you can’t just cancel for any reason you want and expect to have your trip’s price refunded. Most insurance policies only pay out reimbursements for a “covered reason.” Covered reasons include things like serious illness to yourself or a family member, losing your job, a natural disaster or terrorist attack in your destination, or other unpredictable events.

Reasons that aren’t covered typically include things that could be predicted ahead of time, like ongoing civil and political unrest, severe weather due to a predicted tropical storm, or “because I want to.”

Also, cruises are not always covered under typical trip cancellation insurance, so make sure your plan covers cruise lines if that’s what you need.

Cancel For Any Reason

If you want the greatest peace of mind, you’ll want to look for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR is exactly what it sounds like, you can cancel your trip for any reason, and the insurance company will pay you for any non-refundable expenses from hotel stays, flights, and more.

Just know that CFAR insurance costs more.

Trip Interruption Coverage

Trip interruption is similar to trip cancellation insurance, but it covers travel expenses in case you have to cut your trip short after you’ve already departed (while trip cancelation is for before you leave).

Trip interruption coverage typically has similar rules and limits, so you can just think of it as an extension of trip cancellation.

Good trip interruption coverage also includes coverage for travel costs to return home. That’s a great benefit so you don’t have to pay your own way home if anything goes wrong.

Trip Delay Coverage

Beyond trip cancellation and interruption, comprehensive travel insurance policies also typically have coverage for trip delays. That means they’ll help pay for inconveniences and extra expenses caused by flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, and other delays.

Usually, this is a per-day amount while your trip is delayed to pay for unexpected hotel stays or transport costs to rejoin your trip itinerary.

Medical Emergency Coverage

No one wants to think about having a medical emergency overseas, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

In my opinion, emergency medical protection is the most important travel insurance coverage. If you have to pay for a canceled trip, that’s a bummer, but you’ll get over it. If you become seriously ill or get injured on your trip, having insurance to pay for emergency hospital costs can be life-saving. At the very least, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Travel medical coverage will cover costs up to a specific dollar amount stated in the policy. I recommend getting at least $50,000 of coverage, though $100,000 or more is better.

And yes, pretty much every travel insurance policy covers COVID-19 just like any other illness.

Most plans also include accidental death or dismemberment protection. Essentially, this is a sort of life insurance policy that pays out a certain amount if you die or have a disabling injury on your trip. I don’t want to think too much about “accidental death or dismemberment” either, but it’s good to know it’s there.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Many travel insurance plans have strict limits regarding previously existing medical conditions. If you have a condition like diabetes, heart disease, or some other chronic illness, it may not cover related healthcare costs.

If you have a chronic condition, I recommend looking for a plan with a pre-existing condition waiver (like the Travelex Select Plan) to make sure you have full coverage.

Secondary vs Primary Coverage

If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance, you may have come across the terms secondary and primary coverage. Those terms sound confusing, but the difference is pretty simple.

• Primary coverage pays for medical bills before anything else.
• Secondary coverage only kicks in after your normal health insurance pays whatever they will cover.

Emergency Evacuation

For severe injuries or illnesses, travel insurance plans typically cover emergency medical evacuation. That can include transport costs to the nearest medical facility or evacuation to your home country for care.

Again, I’d look for the highest coverage limits possible here. Air ambulances can cost into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and you don’t want to be stuck with that bill.

Baggage Loss or Delay

I have recurring nightmares of losing my checked bag on a long international flight. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but I usually fly carry-on only anyway. Few things sound worse than getting stuck in a foreign country without my personal belongings.

Baggage loss coverage reimburses the cost of lost luggage—up to a specific dollar amount. You will just need to file a claim accounting for the value of the lost personal items.

Many policies will also include coverage for a baggage delay or damage to personal property.

Other Travel Insurance Benefits and Options

Beyond medical protection, trip cancellation insurance, and lost baggage coverage, most travel insurance coverage includes a range of other benefits that either come standard with your plan or that you can add on for an extra cost. Here are some of the most common benefits you may want to look for:

• Rental car insurance in case you scratch up that BMW you rented
• Adventure sports coverage so your medical expenses are still paid for even if you’re participating in “risky” activities like skydiving, skiing, or rock climbing.
• Vacation rental protection , because accidents happen
• Electronic equipment coverage for all you gear-laden photographers
• Cruise and tour operator cancellation coverage , because you don’t want to be stuck with that bill if your trip is canceled.

How Much Is Travel Insurance?

In general, plans from good travel insurance providers will cost about 5-6% of your total trip cost. It can seem annoying to pay for something you might not need to use, but it’s way better than losing tens of thousands of dollars if anything goes wrong. Standard plans range from well under $100 to a few hundred dollars depending on your trip.

Of course, the price will depend on the specific insurance provider and plan you choose. I recommend shopping around to find the best travel insurance for your money.

If you really can’t stomach paying for a full insurance policy (and aren’t worried about losing non-refundable expenses), at the very least you should buy a travel medical plan. Heymondo has a great medical plan that’s so cheap, it would be stupid not to get it. This insurance can help give you peace of mind on your travels.

One thing to note: some credit cards come with some form of travel insurance. It’s worth checking with your credit card company to see if any coverage comes with your credit card.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

I’ll make this answer short: yes, travel insurance is worth it.

For the peace of mind and financial protection you get, the cost of travel insurance is a low price to pay, especially when you consider what you could lose if something bad happens. I don’t like the idea of losing thousands in non-refundable costs or tens of thousands in medical bills.

Still not convinced? We’ve got a full article explaining why travel insurance is worth it . It’s worth a read if you’re still on the fence.

How Do You Buy Travel Insurance?

Fortunately purchasing travel insurance is easy—no need to deal with pushy travel agents. You just go to a travel provider’s website, enter your destination, travel dates, and age, and they will instantly give you a quote for different plans for your trip. It’s also worth checking with your credit card provider because some credit cards include trip insurance!

I highly recommend shopping around a bit to find the best travel insurance plan and price for you. SquareMouth is a fantastic website that gives you quotes from dozens of different providers so you can compare different plans all in one place. They don’t search every single company out there though, so it’s worth checking a few other places.

Our list of the best travel insurance companies is a great place to start. We’ve listed out what each company is best at to help you find the option that fits you best.

Travel Insurance FAQs

What is travel insurance and how does it work.

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected events while traveling like illness or a canceled flight.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance covers canceled trips, emergency medical costs, lost baggage, and more.

Why would I get travel insurance?

Travel insurance isn’t expensive and protects you from heavy costs if anything goes wrong.

What is not covered in travel insurance?

Travel insurance typically doesn’t cover cancellation due to foreseeable events.

Does travel insurance actually pay out?

Good travel insurance companies like Heymondo and Allianz have a reputation for paying out claims.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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Education Abroad

Travel insurance information, international insurance information.

UMaine requires all study abroad students to have international medical and accident insurance coverage during the entire length of your education abroad program period.

U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States. 

Direct Exchange Programs

Students will receive coverage through the “UMaine System AIG Travel Guard insurance.”

Students are automatically put under the policy once they fill out, and submit, their education abroad application form.

Recommended Providers

Recommended providers are USAC, AIP, CIEE, CIS Abroad, etc.

Each provider has their own insurance plan and requires students to register through them for the insurance. They cost is part of the total program fee.

For any other type of program with a different provider not affiliated with UMaine, please discuss with the Education Abroad Advisor.

UMaine Required Insurance

• Accidental Death: $10,000
• Basic Medical Expenses: $100,000
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
• Repatriation of Remains: $50,000
• Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation

Filing a Claim

Review your insurance coverage and understand its policy details. Educate yourself about how to activate the insurance coverage when needed.