Travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected, whether it’s sudden illness, inclement weather or flight troubles. The best way to do so is ensuring that you have sufficient travel insurance coverage for your trip.
NerdWallet collected and analyzed multiple data points from a wide range of travel insurers, looking at important factors like breadth and depth of coverage, cost, plan customizability, and customer reviews.
at SquareMouth
Travelex Insurance Services
at SquareMouth
- Flexible plan lineup with three comprehensive options and multiple add-ons.
- Includes a post-departure medical plan (Travel Med Go).
- Offers kids-included pricing on the Ultimate plan.
- Flight-specific plans offer limited coverage compared to comprehensive plans.
on Trawick's website
Trawick
on Trawick's website
- Cancel For Any Reason available as an add on for select plans.
- Several plans offer up to $25,000 or more in primary medical coverage.
- Many different plan options.
- Reports of long resolution processes.
- Lower customer service ratings compared to top-rated peers.
at SquareMouth
Seven Corners
at SquareMouth
- Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
- Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
- Basic plan features an Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
- Offers only one annual policy option.
at SquareMouth
Travel Guard
at SquareMouth
- Offers last-minute coverage.
- Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver available at nearly all plan levels.
- Plan available for business travelers.
- Cancel For Any Reason coverage only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost and is limited to higher-level plans.
- Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.
at SquareMouth
Aegis (GoReady)
at SquareMouth
- Offers specialty plans for pandemic-related coverages, those staying at vacation rentals and cruise coverage.
- Can customize protection for work-related trip interruption.
- Maximum trip length is 60 days.
- Some ancillary coverages available on only the basic plan but not more premium ones.
at SquareMouth
Arch RoamRight
at SquareMouth
- Highly recommended on Squaremouth and TrustPilot.
- Pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver available on both plans.
- Offers an emergency medical coverage plan for last-minute travelers.
- Only two main policy options.
- No Cancel For Any Reason option.
on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's website
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's website
- 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 AirCare plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.
at SquareMouth
IMG
at SquareMouth
- Coverage available for adventure travelers.
- Identifies medical providers with direct billing to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Claim approval can be lengthy.
at SquareMouth
Tin Leg
at SquareMouth
- In addition to Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reasons coverage.
- Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
- Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
- Claim approval can be lengthy.
- Only one plan includes rental car damage coverage available as an add-on.
at SquareMouth
John Hancock
at SquareMouth
- Covers $200 in fees for redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award reservations.
- Cancel For Any Reason add-on available for all plans.
- Reports of lengthy claims processes.
What does travel insurance cover?
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.
As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll notice that many of the plans include the same coverage categories. Here’s what they are and what they include:
Type of travel insurance | What it covers |
|---|---|
This covers prepaid costs for your trip when you cancel for a covered reason. It allows you to recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations. | |
This covers costs incurred during covered disruptions after departure, such as flight delays and cancellations. It can cover costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation. | |
This covers unexpected costs when your trip is delayed and is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions. Many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits. | |
This allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip, even when canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your policy. This is typically an add-on that costs extra. | |
This covers the costs of essential items (toiletries, clothing, etc.) you might need when your luggage is delayed. Many plans will specify how long the delay must be before you can make a claim. | |
This allows travelers to recoup the lost value of the items in your bag when your luggage is lost or stolen. Make sure you closely follow your plan’s procedures, and take note that many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap. | |
This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency, as most health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas. Many plans also include medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country due to a medical situation. |
Plan benefits can vary a lot, so you’ll want to consider your needs when picking the best policy for you. For example, most plans exclude extreme sports activities, so if you’re a thrill-seeker, you will likely need a plan with specific coverage for adventure activities.
You’ll also want to consider which reasons are excluded for making a claim. For many plans, that includes 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.
» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth getting?
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How to choose the best travel insurance policy
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, or needing the ability to cancel for any reason without losing money? Maybe you’re worried about getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip, or even 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. Here are some common reasons why people buy travel insurance and the policy types they should consider:
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 (assuming you don’t have a credit card that comes with rental car coverage).
» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance
NerdWallet’s picks for best travel insurance companies
Not all policies are available in every state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see the coverages available to you.
Best overall: Travelex International
Why we picked it:
With solid customer reviews, Travelex offers strong travel protections at an affordable price. You can also customize your plan with add-ons, although your options will vary depending on your plan. While all comprehensive plans allow you to add upgrades like pet care and adventure activities, you’ll need to be on the priciest Ultimate plan to add Cancel For Any Reason coverage. Travelex also offers other scaled-back plans, which can be helpful if you only need specific types of coverage.
Basic plan cost: $63 for Essential, about $22 below average.
» Read the full review: Travelex travel insurance review
Best for budget travelers who need flexibility: Trawick International
Why we picked it: For many travelers, cost is top of mind when determining who to purchase travel insurance from. For price-conscious travelers who want comprehensive protection, Trawick International fits that bill. Its Pathway Essential plan offers trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage up to 100% of your trip cost. It also comes with up to $25,000 of primary medical coverage.
Basic plan cost: $56 for Pathway Essential, about $29 below average.
» Read the full review: Trawick International travel insurance review
Best for emergency medical coverage: Seven Corners
Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is 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. Seven Corners shines especially with its emergency medical coverage, with generous limits for assistance, evacuation and repatriation even on its basic plan.
Basic plan cost: $75 for Trip Protection Basic, about $10 below average.
» Read the full review: Seven Corners travel insurance review
Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard.
Why we picked it: Travel Guard offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs, whether they’re going on a cruise or into adventure sports. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, an exclusion waiver is included on Essential, Preferred and Deluxe plans when the plan is purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment. Last-minute travelers who don’t need cancellation benefits should consider the Pack N’ Go plan, while business travelers might be interested in an annual plan.
Basic plan cost: $81 for Essential, about $4 below average.
» Read the full review: Travel Guard insurance review
Best for pet owners: AEGIS (formerly GoReady)
Why we picked it:
AEGIS (formerly known as GoReady) offers a variety of plans, including one specific for cruisegoers. However, pet owners in particular might benefit from its Choice plan, which includes add-ons that cover pet evacuation and pet veterinarian expenses. Plus, if things go wrong, all policyholders can contact AEGIS for assistance, such as rebooking flights and hotels. Instead of having you pay for it and get reimbursed, AEGIS might be able to pay for it directly.
Basic plan cost: $69 for Choice, about $16 below average.
» Read the full review: AEGIS (formerly GoReady) travel insurance review
Best for adventurous travelers: Arch RoamRight
Why we picked it: Arch RoamRight is one of the highest-rated insurers, according to Squaremouth and TrustPilot reviews. It offers a wide range of coverage, as well as a hazardous sports add-on for thrill-seekers, across its two main policy options, the Pro and Pro Plus plans. Some activities covered under the upgrade include bungee jumping, parachuting and skydiving. Those plans also include complimentary coverage for one child under 18 for each insured adult.
Basic plan cost: $103 for Pro, about $18 above average.
» Read the full review: Arch RoamRight travel insurance review
Best for the cheapest price: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Why we picked it: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs, including for cruise disruptions. Want something even cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its flight-related coverage. For example, if your flight is canceled, you’ll only receive a $150 reimbursement, no matter how much the flight costs.
Basic plan cost: $52 for ExactCare Value, about $33 below average.
» Read the full review: Berkshire Hathaway travel insurance review
Best for long-term travelers: IMG
Why we picked it: IMG offers travelers a wide range of plan options. Though this requires a bit more research on your end, it allows you to search for coverage that best fits your travel needs. While it’s not the cheapest option, IMG’s iTravelInsured Lite plan is worth considering for long-term budget travelers. It covers trips up to 180 days and offers 100% trip cancellation coverage and 125% trip interruption coverage.
Basic plan cost: $75 for iTravelInsured Choice, about $10 below average.
» Read the full review: IMG travel insurance review
Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
Why we picked it: Tin Leg offers a large assortment of plans, including its entry-level Economy plan. 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. If your work is unpredictable, you may want to consider a more expensive plan that allows you to add on cancel-for-work coverage, which covers 100% of trip costs.
Basic plan cost: $65 for Economy, about $20 below average.
» Read the full review: Tin Leg travel insurance review
Best for booking travel with points and miles: John Hancock
Why we picked it: John Hancock travel insurance offers travelers up to $200 to cover redepositing fees when they cancel flight or hotel award bookings due to a covered reason. The insurer offers frequent-travel loyalty coverage across all three of its plans. Its website makes it easy to compare plan features and add extras, including CFAR coverage and rental car collision coverage.
Basic plan cost: $89 for Bronze, about $4 above average.
» Read the full review: John Hancock travel insurance review
How we found the best travel insurance
We collected quotes in October 2025 from dozens of travel insurance companies for a 7-day trip to Mexico in March 2026. The traveler was a 45-year-old man from Illinois who spent $1,500 total on the trip, including airfare.
The average price of the most basic coverage plan was about $59. The costs displayed below are for plans that include trip cancellation coverage but do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.
However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize it at an added cost.
» Learn more: The average cost of travel insurance
