TRAVEL INSURANCE GUIDE
PROTECT YOUR TRIP AND YOUR WALLET
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Choosing the right travel insurance provider is crucial for a stress-free travel experience. With a highly competitive international market offering a myriad of options, the ability to compare providers becomes a vital step in achieving the right balance between coverage, cost, and customer satisfaction.
Having thoroughly researched market leaders providing travel insurance globally, including the U.S. and Canada, each presents a distinctive insurance offering to stand out and earn your trust.
Our goal is to offer transparent insights into the travel insurance industry while helping to protect your trip and your wallet.
TRIP PROTECTION
Common insurance coverages vary by insurer, type, age, and policy, with limitations, exclusions, and additional options subject to specifics like riders or policy add-ons. Availability differs by jurisdiction and insurer.
Cancellation & Interruption
Unexpected illness, injury, hospitalization, death of a family member, public transportation cancellation, natural disasters, jury duty, and more.
Delay / Missed Connections
Flight delay, missed connection, weather-related, transportation strike, mechanical issues, airport security concerns, natural disasters, and more.
Cruise and Tour Protection
Itinerary changes like missed ports, cruise / tour bankruptcy, missed shore excursions, cruise ship mechanical breakdown, cabin upgrade / downgrade, ship evacuation, and more.
MEDICAL COVERAGE
Medical Evacuation
Emergency transportation via air / ambulance, medical transport home, medical escort, companion bedside / travel, hospital stays, and more.
Medical Emergency
Medical care may include ambulance, physician, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, prescription medication, emergency dental care, outpatient care, and more.
Repatriation Costs
Transportation, 24/7 assistance, documentation, embalming, coffin, burial, cremation, counselling, and more.
BAGGAGE & PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Loss, Theft, Damage
Clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, shoes, sporting equipment, and more.
Delay / Essential Items
Toiletries, personal hygiene products, clothing essentials, prescription medications, phone chargers / adapters, and more.
Personal Belongings
Laptops and tablets, cameras, photography equipment, passports, travel documents, wallet, keys, and more.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
24/7 Assistance
Medical consultations, travel arrangements, legal assistance, lost document replacement, language translation services, and more.
Service Coordination
Medical evacuation, hospital admission assistance, emergency cash transfers, arrange travel for family member, repatriation of remains, and more.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OPTIONS
Rental Car
Collision damage waiver, loss damage waiver, theft protection, liability, personal effects, roadside assistance, and more.
Adventure / Sport
Medical, evacuation, repatriation costs, and other insurance coverages related to skiing, scuba diving, rock climbing, extreme sports, and more.
Cancel For Any Reason
Common reasons may include change your mind, work obligations, family emergency, illness, pregnancy, natural disasters and more.
Natural Disasters
Cancellation, interruption, delay, medical, evacuation, and other insurance coverages related to hurricanes / cyclones, earthquakes, tornados, wildfires, floods, volcanic eruptions, and more.
Pre-existing Conditions
The following may be covered, stable chronic conditions, controlled high blood pressure, stable asthma, and more.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REVIEWS
Embarking on the search for the right travel insurance can feel overwhelming due to the multitude of options available. Our comprehensive guide is designed to simplify this process. We carefully dissect various coverage plans, empowering you to select an option that protects your trip and your wallet.
Our mission is to provide you with the necessary tools for making informed decisions without subjecting you to unnecessary sales pitches. Your peace of mind throughout your journey is our utmost priority. Trust our guide to navigate the intricacies of travel insurance, supporting a stress-free travel experience-free.
The following review summaries cover a diverse sampling of insurance providers in the travel industry. Whether it is a single trip, multiple trips, basic coverage, or specialty upgrades, we are confident you will be able to tailor a policy that fits your unique needs. We wish you safe travels and memorable moments that last a lifetime.
Great For Your Pet
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Aegis Travel Insurance specializes in delivering comprehensive coverage tailored to various travel needs, offering policies like single trip, multi-trip/annual, cruise, pandemic, and more for enhanced flexibility. As a customer-centric provider, Aegis stands out with standard features, including Stress-Less, which helps avoid upfront expenses for covered claims, and a Free Look Period allowing a period for policyholders to obtain a full refund of the premium, making Aegis a reliable and adaptable choice for travel insurance. |
Made For Canadians - Excellent Medical
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AIG's Travel Guard plans are carefully tailored for Canadian residents, except for the Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical plan, designed specifically for visitors, including returnees, those with student visas, and immigrants. Canadian residents can choose from a comprehensive plan and targeted options for trip cancellation & interruption, emergency medical coverage, and plans exclusively for visitors. Customization is available through different policy tiers, with optional upgrades. Each policy includes a 10-day evaluation period , for reconsideration and potential refunds based on changing needs. All policies feature 24/7 assistance, with some offering personal security assistance. Explore various upgrades, including options like cancel for any reason, exceptional emergency medical coverage, pre-existing condition waivers, and more. AIG, a reputable insurer, holds an A+ credit rating. |
Free Child Coverage
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Discover the diverse range of plans offered by Arch Roam Right, addressing various needs such as comprehensive coverage, last-minute trip protection, and medical-specific plans. Annual plans are also available for those seeking multi-trip coverage, and customization options are provided through a selection of policy upgrades. Benefit from a 14-day evaluation period with every policy, allowing you the flexibility to reconsider and potentially receive a refund if your requirements change. Additionally, all policies feature 24/7 assistance, and some even offer free child coverage for every adult insured. Explore the wide array of upgrades, including options for accident and sickness, evacuation and repatriation, hazardous sports, and more. Rest assured, Arch is a reputable insurance company with an excellent credit rating. |
Travel Insurance Made Simple
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AXA streamlines travel insurance with three plans: Platinum, Gold, and Silver, each offering comprehensive coverage. Despite limited upgrade options, coverage spans trip cancellation, interruption, delay, cancel for any reason, emergency medical, a unique sports package, and more. The 10-day evaluation period adds flexibility, while included concierge services and 24/7 travel assistance enhance the experience. AXA, a reputable insurer with an excellent credit rating, ensures peace of mind for travelers. |
Unique "no-out-of-pocket" Medical
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Generali extends simplicity and flexibility to U.S. residents through three distinct tiers: Premium, Preferred, and Standard. These plans offer comprehensive protection, encompassing coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical situations, and even cancellation for any reason, ensuring a worry-free travel experience. A notable feature present in all three plans is the incorporation of COVID-19 coverage. Additionally, Generali provides a 10-day Free Look Period, enabling a thorough evaluation of the chosen plan. Should the plan not align with your needs during this period, you may qualify for a full premium refund. Generali upholds an excellent credit rating, serving as an additional safeguard for you and your loved ones. |
Specialty Coverage for Groups
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Specializing in travel insurance tailored for groups of 10 or more individuals embarking on shared journeys to a common destination, Global Trip Protection provides comprehensive coverage through two distinct tiers: Pro and Essential. For student groups, a specialized tier breakdown is available, catering to those with 80% of members below the age of 35. The range of travel protection extends to cover trip cancellation, interruption, delays, medical emergencies as well as safeguarding baggage and personal belongings. The Pro plan offers additional upgrade options that include cancel for any reason coverage, rental car protection, sports equipment coverage, and more. Global Trip Protection's insurance solutions are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, a reputable entity distinguished by its excellent credit rating. |
Best For Medical Coverage
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IMG offers a range of insurance plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of vacationers, individuals working or residing internationally (for short or extended durations), frequent travelers between countries, and those with multiple countries of residence. Their single trip, annual, and extendable plans are designed to cater to a variety of lifestyles. Their comprehensive portfolio includes international travel medical insurance, health insurance, and travel insurance. With multiple tiers, IMG's key offerings provide options for coverage customization and budget flexibility. Elevate your policy with optional upgrades like cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason, available on their top-tier plan. Trip protection covers cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage, rental car damage, and more. Medical highlights feature competitive limits, COVID-19 protection, inpatient and outpatient services, emergency services, AD&D, dental, pet return, and more. Experience peace of mind with IMG's 24/7 medical and travel assistance, supported by a multilingual team and underwriters with excellent credit ratings. |
Delays - Connections - Baggage
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Discover a variety of single trip insurance plans from John Hancock, a subsidiary of Manulife, with options including Gold, Silver, and Bronze tailored to meet the diverse travel insurance needs of U.S. residents. These plans come with a minimum 14-day free look period, offering both flexibility and assurance for prospective travelers. All plans feature robust coverage for trip cancellationand trip interruption, ensuring financial security in unforeseen circumstances. Coverages for interruption, delay, medical emergencies, baggage, and AD&D vary, allowing you to choose options that align with your specific requirements. Additionally, optional upgrades such as cancel-for-any-reason, car rental coverage, and more provide added flexibility to customize your insurance plan. Furthermore, benefit from 24/7 emergency travel assistance, ensuring support whenever needed. It's worth noting that all plans are underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, a company with an excellent credit rating, adding an extra layer of reliability and trust to your travel insurance. |
Tailored Travel & Medical Insurance
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Seven Corners extends a broad selection of insurance coverages for both U.S. residents and Non-U.S. residents. Tailoring to diverse traveler needs, their offerings include comprehensive plans merging travel and medical coverage, as well as separate plans focused solely on travel or medical aspects. Their comprehensive range of features include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, emergency medical, AD&D, and safeguards for contingencies like Covid-19. For a hassle-free journey, Seven Corners provides round-the-clock multi-lingual travel and medical assistance. From single trip options to annual plans, the array of available plans caters to various travel needs. Customization is further facilitated through a choice of upgrades, allowing users to fine-tune policies according to their unique requirements. These enhancements may involve options such as cancel for any reason, interruption for any reason, car rental damage, and more. Prioritizing financial stability, Seven Corners collaborates with underwriters who possess excellent credit ratings, ensuring robust support for your insurance requirements. |
Exceptional Non-Medical Evacuation
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Travel Insured International stands out as a premier provider of travel and medical insurance for both Americans and Canadians. Their offerings include diverse tiered policies, featuring highly customizable coverage options. Explore various plans tailored to your needs, with desirable upgradable cancellation options such as Cancel for Any Reason, Cancel for Interruption, and Cancel for Work. This flexibility ensures that you can craft an insurance plan that aligns with your unique requirements. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in the peace of mind and financial security they provide. With underwriters boasting excellent credit ratings, Travel Insured International is a trusted choice for you and your family as you embark on journeys worldwide. |
Family Friendly Policies
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Travelex extends a diverse array of insurance plans to cater to your specific needs. The comprehensive plan encompasses a range of coverages such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical emergencies, AD&D, and baggage coverage, among others. Additionally, they provide standalone plans tailored for medical emergencies, AD&D, and USA travel. For added flexibility, optional upgrades allow you to personalize your coverage with features like cancel for any reason, cancel for work, pre-existing conditions waiver, adventure sports, and more. Rest assured, all these coverages come with the strong backing of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, renowned for its stellar credit rating. |
Best Overall Travel Insurance
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Trawick distinguishes itself as a top-tier travel insurance provider, offering an appealing array of policies designed to serve clients globally. Their comprehensive coverage spans travel within the USA, international trips, vacation rentals, participation in adventure sports, and more. Tailor your coverage with ease using their tiered plans and a variety of optional upgrades, accommodating both single trips and annual coverage for multiple journeys and extended stays. Covering essentials such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delays, missed connections, emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation, AD&D, and more, Trawick goes above and beyond with additional features like cancel for any reason, interruption for any reason, increased medical limits, and specialized sports and adventure coverage. With strategic partnerships with multiple underwriters, each boasting an excellent credit rating, Trawick provides robust financial protection for travelers. Their blend of flexibility and financial security promises a stress-free travel experience tailored to your preferences. |
Review Methodology
In our travel review methodology, flexibility stands as a paramount consideration, underscored by a thorough analysis of insurance policies and optional upgrades offered by various companies. Our evaluation places significant emphasis on cancellation options, with particular scrutiny given to the availability of "cancel for any reason" coverage. Medical coverage, constituting 25% of our weighting, encompasses crucial aspects such as accident and sickness protection, evacuation services, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and a special focus on pre-existing condition waivers.
Logistical coverages make up another 15% of our assessment, taking into account factors like baggage protection, trip delays, and more. It is imperative for us that all insurance companies we review have an underwriter boasting an excellent credit rating. However, it's important to note that this particular criterion does not directly factor into our rating calculations. By incorporating these considerations, we aim to provide a comprehensive and informed evaluation of travel insurance options for our readers.
Coverages and exclusions listed are a sample with potential limitations, subject to change based on jurisdiction, age, and health. Refer to our Terms of Service for the full disclaimer. Information provided is general; it's not professional advice. Verify policy details with the company or seek advice before deciding. We're not liable for any loss or damage. External links don't signify endorsement; users are encouraged to independently research for informed insurance decisions.