Top-Rated Travel Insurance Providers

Ever wondered if a single policy can protect your trip without draining your budget?

We know you want simple answers. You want coverage that handles medical emergencies, evacuations, cancellations, delays, and lost bags — and pays fast when you need it.

Good news: independent analyses show clear benchmarks. NerdWallet found an average basic plan price of $127.18 for a 55‑year‑old Florida traveler on a 10‑day Mexico trip. Forbes Advisor highlights must-have limits like $250,000+ medical, $500k–$1M evacuation, CFAR options, and short delay waits.

This short guide helps you match real scenarios — storms, missed connections, or sudden illness — to the right plans.

We’ll lay out practical comparisons of coverage, cost, and claims ease so you can book boldly and still feel cared for.

What travelers want: Commercial intent behind “top-rated travel insurance companies”

Most shoppers start with one goal: clear coverage that actually works when plans go sideways.

You’re comparing options because credit cards often leave gaps — especially for medical care and evacuation abroad. Buyers look to raise limits or add benefits like CFAR and rental car protection.

Fast claims and helpful customer support matter. A team that answers at 2 a.m. can turn a crisis into a quick fix. Transparent pricing matters too — you want to see how cost scales with trip length and age.

• Bundles that match your itinerary: cruise, adventure activities, delay and baggage perks.
• Flexibility: CFAR, Interruption-for-Any-Reason, and rental car add-ons for complex trips.
• Plan availability by state and destination — so you don’t hit walls at checkout.

In short, customers seek practical benefits and clear limits. If a policy won’t be useful in a real emergency, most buyers skip it. For group specifics and state-availability details, see group travel basics at how group travel insurance works.

How we selected the best travel insurance providers in the United States

We began with real market data and real customer feedback to build a fair scorecard. Our review uses recent sample quotes and independent audits to show what matters now.

Data sources and evaluation period

We used NerdWallet quotes from Feb 2025 (a $3,000, 10‑day Mexico trip for a 55‑year‑old Florida traveler; average basic plan price: $127.18). We also reviewed Forbes’ audit of 69 policies and 1,449 coverage details.

Core scoring factors

• Breadth: how many plans a provider offers.
• Depth: medical and evacuation limits, CFAR, interruption caps.
• Cost & customizability: price vs. add‑ons and state availability.
• Customer satisfaction: claims speed and service responsiveness.

Benchmarks we used

We set minimum targets: medical coverage of at least $250,000 and evacuation between $500,000 and $1,000,000. We also tracked average basic plan price and whether plans sell in your state.

Travel insurance pricing at a glance

Average basic plan price from recent quotes

NerdWallet found an average basic plan cost of $127.18 for a $3,000, 10‑day Mexico trip. That number gives you a mid‑range anchor when you compare quotes.

Rule of thumb: 5%–6% of trip cost

Use 5%–6% of your insured trip cost to sanity‑check prices. Forbes’ examples line up with this rule:

• $2,500 trip ≈ $120 (5%)
• $10,000 trip ≈ $512 (5%)
• $50,000 trip ≈ $3,091 (6%)

What drives price: trip cost, age, and coverage selections

Premiums scale with the trip cost. Higher medical and evacuation limits or CFAR add‑ons raise the cost, but they also raise protection.

You can lower premiums by insuring only prepaid, nonrefundable expenses and skipping extras you don’t need. Compare plans with similar coverage levels—cheap options often have low caps that leave gaps.

The most critical coverages based on real claims data

Real claims tell a clear story about what goes wrong on trips—and where your policy should focus. Tin Leg data shows trip cancellation tops claims at 28.57%, followed by trip delay (20.24%), trip interruption (18.69%), and emergency medical expense (16.19%).

Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay protections

Because cancellations are the biggest claim, prioritize solid trip cancellation limits that reimburse prepaid costs.

Look for trip interruption at 125%–150%+ so you can cover extra travel to rejoin plans.

Choose delay benefits that kick in after six hours or less to cover hotels, meals, and essentials.

Emergency medical and medical evacuation limits that matter

Emergency medical care abroad can be costly. Forbes recommends at least $250,000 for medical coverage.

For medical evacuation, aim for $500,000–$1,000,000 of evacuation coverage—these limits can save you from massive bills.

Missed connection, baggage delay, and baggage loss

Missed connection benefits help when tight schedules or regional flights force expensive rebookings.

Pack baggage and baggage delay protection to replace essentials and cover lost gear quickly.

• Claims data shows cancellations and delays are most common—build coverage around them.
• Balance limits with your itinerary: luxury trips need higher caps than budget itineraries.
• Emergency medical and evacuation are rare, but they’re lifesaving when used.

Our picks for top-rated travel insurance companies

If you need dependable coverage without wading through jargon, this shortlist helps you decide fast.

We matched leading providers to common trip risks—medical bills, cancellations, adventure activities, and pet add‑ons—so you can shortlist fast.

Best overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why pick it: specialized plans and fast reimbursements for common claims.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Why pick it: strong medical limits and flexible single‑trip or annual options.

Best for pre-existing conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Why pick it: waivers when you buy within the required window.

• Pet owners: Travel Insured International offers helpful bundles for travelers with pets.
• Adventure travelers: World Nomads includes many adventure sports in its plans.
• Medical value: Travelex gives scalable medical coverage at competitive prices.
• If you have card benefits: Seven Corners pairs well with card coverage and medical‑only add‑ons.
• Long trips: IMG supports extended itineraries with wide plan variety.
• Unpredictable work: Tin Leg targets last‑minute cancel needs tied to variable schedules.

Use this list to match coverage to your itinerary. Compare limits, state availability, and customer reviews before buying.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Why it’s best overall

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection makes a case for buyers who value speed and focused coverage. You get plans built around your trip type — road trips, cruises, flights, luxury stays, and adventure itineraries — so you’re not paying for extras you won’t use. Specialized coverage reduces overlap and simplifies claims.

Where it excels: specialized plans and speedy reimbursements

Fast payouts are a core benefit. Some customers report same‑day reimbursements, which cuts stress when you need funds on the move. Pre‑existing condition waivers appear at most plan levels if you buy within required windows, making it easier to qualify.

Coverage trade-offs and typical cost positioning

The ExactCare Value basic plan example runs about $136 — roughly $9 above the NerdWallet sample average. That small extra cost often buys faster service and clearer benefit design.

• AirCare uses fixed payouts (for example, set amounts for flight cancellation) — simpler claims, but limits may not match large losses.
• Expect slightly higher cost for comprehensive tiers, justified by speed and specialization.
• Strong communication and clear benefit design make filing claims easier during hectic moments.

Allianz Global Assistance: Strong emergency medical and flexible policies

Allianz Global Assistance pairs broad coverage choices with a clear focus on fast help when it matters most.

You can buy single‑trip or annual plans. OneTrip Basic sits above the average cost—about $149 in sample quotes. That plan leans toward balanced protection for common issues.

Annual vs. single‑trip options and rental car add-on

Pick annual coverage if you take several trips a year—one policy and consistent benefits make planning easier.

For single adventures, choose a OneTrip plan with the medical coverage and limits that match your comfort level abroad.

• Add OneTrip Rental Car Protector to avoid high counter fees and cover rental car damage.
• OneTrip Cancellation Plus skips medical and baggage—good for domestic trips focused on cancellation and delay.
• Allianz’s 24/7 assistance helps when a late‑night call or missed connection needs fast answers for the customer.

When to choose higher‑tier plans

Consider Prime or Premier if you want Cancel Anytime flexibility or richer emergency medical benefits. Higher tiers expand coverage for interruption and reduce out‑of‑pocket risk.

Overall, Allianz gives modular coverage that fits varied travel styles and budgets while keeping strong emergency medical support front and center.

Travel Guard by AIG: Standout for pre-existing condition waivers

Protecting an existing condition often depends on one simple deadline—buying inside the waiver window. Travel Guard includes a pre-existing condition waiver on Essential, Preferred, and Deluxe tiers when you purchase within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Timing requirements and plan tiers to consider

Buy early. The 15‑day window is the key to getting medical conditions covered on qualifying plans. The sample Essential plan averages about $123.27, slightly below market, and suits basic cancellation and post‑departure protections.

CFAR considerations and business traveler options

CFAR adds flexibility but usually reimburses up to 50% and appears only on higher tiers. That means cancellation coverage is softer than full refunds—set expectations before you buy.

• Choose Essential, Preferred, or Deluxe based on how much trip cancellation and interruption you want.
• Pack N’ Go fits last‑minute bookings that need post‑departure protection rather than cancellation benefits.
• Business travelers can opt for annual plans to cover many trips without repeated purchases.
• Check point or miles bookings—trip interruption coverage may treat these differently and limit payouts.

In short, if you have prior medical conditions, timing your purchase matters most. Read the plan details so your coverage matches your trip value and needs for claims and other benefits.

World Nomads: Built-in adventure sports coverage

If your itinerary includes surfing, hiking, skiing, or bungee, World Nomads often treats those activities as part of the standard offering rather than costly extras. That makes it a favorite for active travelers who want clarity before they go.

Activities covered on Standard vs. higher-tier plans

Standard plans include many common adventure sports — windsurfing, skiing, and bungee among them. Standard usually has lower trip cancellation and interruption caps (around $2,500) and no rental car damage protection.

Epic or higher tiers add riskier activities and raise evacuation and medical limits. Some Epic options offer up to about $400,000 in evacuation on selected plans.

Who should pick World Nomads (and who shouldn’t)

Pick World Nomads if you’ll do active pursuits and want clear activity lists built into your plan. It’s budget‑friendly for inexpensive trips and covers many adventure sports without riders.

Skip it if you need strong rental car benefits or very high cancellation caps. For remote, high‑risk adventures, step up to the higher tier or compare providers with larger medical and evacuation limits.

Travelex Insurance Services: Medical-focused protection that scales

When out-of-country care matters most, pick a plan built to cover medical bills and evacuations. Travelex offers comprehensive options and lean choices that keep the cost reasonable while prioritizing care.

Travelex sells full plans and post-departure medical or flight-only options for travelers who don’t need full cancellation protection. The Essential plan runs around $120 in sample quotes, usually below market averages.

Post-departure medical and flight-only options

Post-departure medical lets you insure health expenses after you leave home. Flight-only plans focus on accidents and emergency care during flights. These choices lower premiums if cancellation is covered elsewhere.

When to upgrade for higher medical and evacuation limits

Consider the Medical Coverage upgrade: it adds $50,000 of medical expenses and $500,000 of medical evacuation to base amounts. Travelex Ultimate increases those limits further and lets you customize coverage for remote or international trips.

• If cancellation isn’t a priority, choose post-departure or flight-only to keep premiums lean.
• Upgrade when going to remote areas—stronger evacuation coverage is essential.
• Essential keeps cost down; Ultimate boosts limits and customization.

Seven Corners: Smart pick to pair with credit card benefits

If your card covers fares and hotels, pairing it with a focused Seven Corners plan fills the gaps without extra cost. Seven Corners sells medical‑only and cruise plans, plus CFAR and low‑cost Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) upgrades—even on starter tiers.

Interruption for Any Reason and CFAR upgrades

IFAR and CFAR add real flexibility. IFAR lets you cut a trip short for any reason after 48 hours. CFAR widens pre‑departure reasons that standard policies don’t cover.

Medical-only plans to fill benefit gaps

Seven Corners offers medical‑only choices that plug evacuation and care holes left by card perks. Trip Protection Basic samples run near $124—below the market mean—so you can add protection cheaply.

• Pair card benefits with medical‑only coverage to close big gaps.
• Add rental car protection if your card won’t cover rental car damage in your destination.
• Choose cruise or event ticket options when those parts of your trip matter most.
• One annual policy simplifies protection for frequent flyers.

IMG and long-term coverage considerations

Extended journeys change the coverage game: length, remoteness, and billing networks matter most.

IMG offers wide plan variety and options for adventure segments. That lets you dial benefits to fit long, complex itineraries without paying for extras you won’t use.

Plan variety, direct billing networks, and trip length limits

Look for plans with direct billing to local providers. That reduces out‑of‑pocket costs when you need urgent care.

iTravelInsured Lite covers trips up to 180 days and includes 100% cancellation plus 125% interruption. The Choice sample sits near $115.66—good baseline pricing for long stays.

Choosing limits for long, complex itineraries

• Prioritize medical and evacuation limits that match remote destinations.
• Use interruption at 125% to cover extra costs when rejoining long itineraries.
• Expect trade‑offs: complex plans can mean longer claim approvals—keep clear documentation.

Beyond our core list: Highly rated plans from independent research

For niche trips and higher limits, independent research points to a set of standout plans worth comparing. These options shine for cruises, remote expeditions, or elevated medical needs.

What these specialty plans add

Nationwide Cruise Luxury focuses on missed ports, itinerary changes, and higher medical needs at sea.

WorldTrips Atlas Journey Elevate and Trawick Safe Travels Voyager offer up to $1,000,000 evacuation — a good fit for remote or expedition travel.

Generali Premium and HTH TripProtector Preferred pair strong medical coverage with shorter waiting periods for delay benefits.

Starr Premier and PrimeCover Luxe aim at high‑end trips with boosted caps and concierge‑style benefits.

• Use cruise‑specific plans for at-sea medical needs and missed‑port protections.
• Benchmark evacuation coverage and medical evacuation limits before you decide.
• Compare price versus elevated caps to see real value for your itinerary.

How to choose based on your trip and traveler profile

Pick coverage that matches the way you actually travel — not a one-size-fits-all policy. Start by listing the real risks for this trip: tight connections, adventure activities, or health needs. That list tells you which coverage options matter most.

Cruises, tours, and complex multi-leg flights

For cruises and guided tours, prioritize trip interruption and short delay waits. Tight schedules mean missed ports or transfers are costly.

Look for missed-connection wording and delay benefits that kick in at six hours or less.

Adventure sports and high-risk activities

If you plan on surfing, hiking, or skiing, confirm the activity list and medical coverage details before you buy. Some plans include many sports; others need riders.

Pre-existing conditions and older travelers

Buy early to lock in pre-existing condition waivers—most require purchase within days of your first deposit. Older travelers should raise medical and evacuation limits for international trips.

Budget trips vs. luxury itineraries

Use the 5%–6% rule of trip cost to set a budget. Budget trips often keep to essential trip cancellation and medical cover. Luxury itineraries benefit from higher caps and CFAR-style benefits for extra flexibility.

• Match coverage options to itinerary: cruises and tours need strong interruption and delay terms.
• Confirm activity lists and medical coverage for adventure sports.
• Buy early for pre-existing waivers and higher-age profiles.
• Use 5%–6% of trip cost as a budget guide, then tune options.
• For complex flights, prefer short delay waits and missed-connection protections.

Coverage add-ons that can be worth it

Add‑ons can change a basic policy into protection that truly fits your trip—and your peace of mind.

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) expands cancellation coverage beyond standard reasons. Typical CFAR reimbursements reach up to 75% and require purchase within a set window after your first deposit. Read timing rules carefully before you buy.

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) helps when you must end a trip early for reasons a policy normally won’t cover. Providers like Seven Corners offer IFAR—check the short waiting periods and refund percentages.

Hospital of choice upgrades and when they matter

Hospital of choice guarantees transport to a preferred facility after stabilization. IMG iTravelInsured Travel LX, WorldTrips Atlas Journey Elevate, PrimeCover Luxe, and Travelex Ultimate include or offer this as an upgrade. For serious injuries abroad, this upgrade can be critical.

• Pick add‑ons for big‑ticket or expedition trips where losses would be large.
• Delay waits of six hours or less are a quality signal for prompt payouts.
• Keep receipts and clear documentation—smooth claims need proof.

Timing your purchase and insuring the right trip cost

Locking in coverage soon after you pay a deposit preserves the widest set of benefits. Buy right after your first deposit to trigger time‑sensitive windows—pre‑existing condition waivers and CFAR eligibility depend on that date.

Why to buy right after your first deposit

Buying early starts your cancellation protection clock. That gives you the longest period for trip cancellation coverage and waiver qualification.

Many plans require purchase within 14–21 days of your first payment to unlock waivers. Waiting can close those doors.

What to include (and exclude) in your insured trip cost

Insure only prepaid, nonrefundable expenses: airfare, hotels with nonrefundable rates, tours, and event tickets.

Skip refundable fares and cancel‑flex hotels—those aren’t part of the insured trip cost and only raise your cost without extra benefit.

• Update your policy if your itinerary grows—raise insured totals before departure to avoid underinsurance.
• Keep booking confirmations for airfare, hotels, tours, and excursions—these documents support any claim.
• Buying early doesn’t mean overpaying—premiums scale with insured amounts, not calendar days.

Quick checklist:

Purchase after first deposit, insure only nonrefundable items, update amounts as needed, and keep receipts—those steps help travelers get full value from their coverage when it counts.

Credit card travel insurance vs. third‑party plans

Your credit card might handle a missed flight, but it rarely handles a medevac. Cards often offer convenient perks—trip delay, some cancellation protection, or baggage reimbursement—but they usually stop short when a serious medical event happens abroad.

Common gaps cards don’t fill (medical, evacuation, adventure)

Medical coverage on cards is often secondary or limited. That means your domestic health insurance may not pay out overseas.

Medical evacuation is costly and commonly excluded from card benefits. Aim for a primary travel medical plan with at least $250,000 in medical and $500,000–$1,000,000 for evacuation if you’ll be abroad.

Adventure activities are another common blind spot. Many card protections exclude high‑risk sports—so verify activity wording before you rely on a card.

Stacking strategies to optimize cost and coverage

Stacking can cut cost and raise protection. Let your card handle cancellation or delay items it already covers.

Then buy a third‑party medical plan that fills the big gaps—primary medical coverage and evacuation. A medical‑only plan from Seven Corners is an efficient option when card benefits cover interruption and delay.

• Confirm whether your health insurance travels with you—many plans offer limited or no overseas coverage.
• Use IFAR/CFAR only when you need flexible cancellation options and watch timing rules.
• Check activity lists; pick a third‑party plan that explicitly covers your adventures.

Compare plans side by side: Coverage limits that signal “top-rated”

When you line up quotes, look for specific limits and short waits that mean a plan will actually help when things go wrong. Use clear numeric filters to cut through marketing language and focus on real value.

Medical minimums: $250,000+ preferred

Medical coverage of at least $250,000 is a practical baseline for international trips. That level reduces risk of large out‑of‑pocket bills for hospital stays or emergency care abroad.

Evacuation targets: $500,000 to $1,000,000

Evacuation coverage should range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for serious incidents that require airlift or long‑distance transport. Plans like WorldTrips Atlas Journey Elevate, Travelex Ultimate, and Trawick Voyager meet these benchmarks.

Delay waiting periods: six hours or less

Prefer plans that start paying for trip delay benefits after six hours or sooner. Short waits mean earlier help for hotels, meals, and essentials. Also check baggage delay windows—12 hours or less signals better protection.

• Quick filter: use $250k+ medical and $500k–$1M evacuation as your first screen.
• Interruption at 150%+ helps cover extra travel costs when you must reroute.
• CFAR (up to ~75%) and pre‑existing waivers are tie‑breakers when plans otherwise match.

Where and how to buy travel insurance online

Buy online from a carrier site or an aggregator — the right route depends on whether you value brand perks or side‑by‑side comparisons.

Direct providers vs. comparison marketplaces

Direct providers give brand‑specific perks, bundled add‑ons, and clear customer service channels. Buying direct can speed paperwork and unlock loyalty benefits.

Marketplaces let you compare many travel insurance companies at once. They help you find best matches for coverage, cost, and limits across multiple plans.

Information you’ll need for accurate quotes

Have this ready: destination, trip dates, traveler ages, and the total insured trip cost. Enter accurate totals so quotes reflect true premiums and limits.

• Check state availability — not every policy sells in every state.
• Compare at equal benefit levels, then weigh service and claims reputation.
• Revisit your policy if plans change; you can usually adjust insured amounts before departure.

Conclusion

Wrap your planning with clear coverage targets so surprises become rare, not costly. Aim for at least $250,000 in medical and $500,000–$1,000,000 for evacuation. These benchmarks come from leading sources and real claims patterns.

Buy a plan soon after your first deposit to qualify for CFAR or pre‑existing waivers. Expect typical premiums near 5%–6% of trip cost — a quick way to judge value.

Use this roundup to find best fits by traveler type — adventure seekers, cruisers, long‑term stays, or budget explorers. Choose confidently: match limits, short delay waits, and clear benefits so you can say yes to the trip and worry less about the what‑ifs.