rsa travel insurance covid

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The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

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 COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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The best Covid-19 travel insurance companies to protect yourself against the uptick in cases

Travel insurance can help if you have to cancel or cut a trip short due to covid..

Though the height of the pandemic may have passed, Covid-19 continues to be a consideration in everyday life. And that's especially true for those who are traveling or booking a trip.  

Getting sick on the road or having to cancel your vacation because of illness is a common concern. However, travel insurance can help you ensure you're covered. Many travel insurance policies consider Covid like they would any other illness, but not all. So, you'll still want to carefully read any travel insurance policy you're considering to make sure Covid isn't excluded. For the most comprehensive coverage, you'll want to opt for a plan with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

To find the travel insurance policies best suited to handle Covid-related issues, CNBC Select looked at Covid coverage and limits for medical coverage and evacuation, among other factors. We found four standouts for the best Covid travel insurance policies. (See our methodology to learn more about how we created this list.)

Best Covid-19 travel insurance   

• Best for high coverage limits : AXA Travel Insurance  
• Best for cruises: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for luxury travel : Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  
• Best for cancel for any reason coverage : Allianz Travel Insurance  

Best for high coverage limits  

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

Who's this for?  AXA Travel Insurance is ideal for those seeking high coverage limits for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses, as well as emergency evacuations.

Standout benefits:  AXA's silver plan offers up to $25,000 of medical emergency accident and illness coverage and $100,000 of emergency evacuation coverage, higher than many of the base travel plans we compared. The company's gold and platinum plans offer higher limits, up to $250,000 of medical emergency coverage and $1 million of evacuation coverage. When comparing AXA policies, make sure you have the "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" included.

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for cruises

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

• 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
• Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Who's this for?  Nationwide's travel insurance offers higher limits than many other base plans we reviewed, with limits of $75,000 for medical coverage and $250,000 of emergency evacuation coverage in its essential plan.  

Standout benefits:  Nationwide offers several plans tailored to different needs, including a cruise-specific travel insurance plan and an annual plan for frequent travelers.  

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

• Wide variety of policies available
• Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
• Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Who's this for? Those considering expensive travel can find sufficient coverage with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection that meets a variety of needs, including coverage for Covid if needed. 

Standout benefits:  Berkshire Hathaway's top-tier LuxuryCare Travel Insurance includes coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost for trip interruption coverage and $100,000 of medical expense coverage.  

Best for cancel for any reason coverage 

Allianz travel insurance.

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

• Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
• Limited coverage for risky sports

Who's this for?  For those wanting the option to cancel for any reason (CFAR), Allianz Travel Insurance plans offer lots of different options, including CFAR add-ons.  

Standout benefits:  Allianz's Cancel Anytime upgrade can reimburse up to 80% of non-refundable trip costs for almost any unforeseeable reason not already covered by the policy. That's higher than most other CFAR coverage, which generally covers 70% to 75% of non-refundable trip costs. It's only available on the brand's OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier policies.  

More on our top Covid travel insurance companies 

Axa travel insurance  .

AXA offers three travel insurance plans starting at $16. Its silver plan, the lowest tier of coverage, offers high limits for emergency medical expenses at $25,000 and up to 100% of trip costs for trip interruption coverage. Many policies now include epidemic-related covered reasons.

CFAR coverage available?    

Yes, up to 75% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs 

24/7 assistance?   

[ Return to summary ]

Nationwide Travel Insurance 

Nationwide offers travel insurance plans for single trips, multi-trips and cruise-specific plans. The company has an A+ rating for financial strength from rating agency AM Best, and its most basic single trip and cruise plans offer a high limit of $75,000 of medical coverage.  

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  

Berkshire Hathaway's travel coverage can be tailored towards the specific needs of cruise and luxury travelers, with options for higher coverage limits for medical coverage and trip interruption benefits.  

Yes, up to 50% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs 

Allianz Travel Insurance 

Allianz Travel Insurance stands out for those who want cancel for any reason coverage, as the percentage reimbursed is higher than other travel insurance providers we reviewed. For traveling families, the company's OneTrip Prime plan also offers free coverage for children ages 17 and younger with a parent's coverage.  

Yes, up to 80% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs through the optional Cancel Anytime upgrade 

Does travel insurance cover Covid?  

Travel insurance generally covers Covid-19 as it would any other illness. While fear of catching an illness isn't a cause for cancellation under most policies without a cancel for any reason (CFAR) add-on, being diagnosed with Covid-19 right before or during your trip could qualify you for cancellation, interruption or travel delay coverage.

As with any insurance coverage you're considering, read your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what it does and doesn't cover.  

What does travel insurance cover?  

Travel insurance can cover your trip expenses if you're unable to go due to an unforeseen, covered reason or face an illness or injury during your trip. It can also help in the event that you lose your bags or face delays in your itinerary. 

Bottom line  

If you find yourself coming down with Covid before or during a trip, travel insurance could help you recoup funds from a lost trip or cover medical bills while you're abroad. Look for a travel insurance plan with strong medical coverage and flexible cancellation options. 

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select? 

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance   review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance   products .  To research the best travel insurance companies, we compiled over 100 data points on more than a dozen travel insurance companies. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance.

Our methodology  

To determine the best Covid-19 travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel insurance companies and compared them based on their Covid policies, and medical and evacuation coverage limits. 

While narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on Covid-19 coverage, availability of cancel for any reason coverage, and the limits of emergency medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage. We also considered factors like whether 24-hour assistance was available, Better Business Bureau ratings, and financial strength ratings from AM Best .

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.  

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.  

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Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

Purchasing travel insurance during the time of Covid can be overwhelming – will you be covered in case of cancellation, or do policies that offer medical assistance for Covid exist? Here, we break down the policies that offer Covid cover, plus what to look for in a travel insurance policy and whether your insurance is invalidated if the government advises not to travel. 

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

Yes, here goes... Note though, all policies currently have restrictions on claims relating to Covid-19 and be aware that the situation is changing fast, so double-check the latest cover before you buy.

All Clear Travel Insurance ( allcleartravel.co.uk ): cover is available to people of all ages but particularly suitable for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions that other insurers are reluctant to cover.

Axa ( axa.co.uk ): this long-established, French-owned company is one of the largest insurers, providing a wide range of different policies geared to a variety of travel types.

Battleface ( battleface.com ): geared to individuals and groups with an emphasis on adventurous activities abroad and travel to remote destinations.

Campbell Irvine Direct ( campbellirvinedirect.com ): this insurer was established more than 45 years ago, and policies offer cover for travel to challenging and adventurous locations, including conservation and volunteer projects.

CoverForYou ( coverforyou.com ): competitively priced policies include winter sports and backpacker cover with enhanced silver, gold and platinum options.

Holidaysafe ( holidaysafe.co.uk ): catch-all travel specialist with a portfolio of ‘niche’ policies covering specific sporting activities including triathlon, sailing and cycling .

LV Travel Insurance ( lv.com ): one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering single and multi-trip cover.

PJ Hayman ( pjhayman.com ): strong on customer care, with cover for medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.

Puffin Insurance ( puffininsurance.com ): annual or single-trip policies for customers aged 18-74, covering more than 75 different activities with numerous optional add-ons.

Trailfinders ( trailfinders.com ): policy automatically includes children up to 21 years, free of charge (note those aged 19-21 must be in full-time education).

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

In a word, yes. Some companies (see list above) say they will still sell you insurance – including the crucial medical-expenses cover – provided the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t advise against all or all but essential travel. Check the current FCDO list for the latest advice. Some insurers will also offer cover for destinations on the red list , but in the current climate of uncertainty, rules governing travel to individual countries can change fast. Travel-insurance specialist Battleface has a useful country travel restrictions tool on its website to help people check the latest developments based on a variety of factors including destination and departure dates.

Why is travel insurance important?

If you have a trip booked and don’t yet have insurance, it’s important to buy a policy as soon as possible. That way, if anything changes – FCDO advice for example – you will already have cover in place. The problem with choosing the best policy is that everyone has different requirements – it may depend on your destination, the type of trip (are you doing lots of adventurous activities , for example?) and quite detailed, nerdy stuff such as ‘travel disruption cover’, which is particularly useful at the moment if you are travelling independently. There is no shortcut to checking through the key provisions of any insurance you are considering.

What should I look for in a travel insurance policy during the pandemic?

This is the key problem. Insurers are obviously jumpy about how exposed they are to claims both for cancellations because of Covid-19 and for medical treatment as a result of catching it while you are abroad. So all have added restrictions and exclusions into their policies. You need to check exactly what those are and make sure you understand the limitations of the cover.

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

If you already have travel insurance it will normally cover your cancellation costs if you, or one of your travelling companions, falls ill before departure and can’t travel – though you will need a medical report from your doctor to confirm this. Some policies – though not many – cover losses incurred if you have booked independently and have to cancel because of FCDO advice. Look for ‘travel disruption cover’ or ‘journey disruption cover’ in the policy details, which may or may not include disruption due to epidemics (see below for more information). If you are forced to quarantine in a hotel after visiting a red list country, this is unlikely to be covered by any insurance companies. If you are simply nervous of travelling and want to cancel – which is known as ‘disinclination to travel’ in the insurance industry – no policy will cover you.

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

The key value of travel insurance is the medical cover it offers while you are travelling. This will underwrite the cost of treatment and if necessary a hospital stay if you fall ill on holiday. But whether or not you are covered for accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and have to enter self-isolation or quarantine while you are abroad varies by policy. Some insurers, however, will pay up if you need a new flight home in these circumstances. In short – it varies, so be sure to read the small print.

Is my travel insurance invalidated if the FCDO advises not to travel?

In normal times, travel insurers won’t provide cover to countries or regions where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Traditionally, these areas might include destinations such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Yemen, but in recent times it has included much of Europe too, with countries being regularly added to and taken off the UK's quarantine list. However, some insurers now offer affordable policies that are designed for travellers heading to these European destinations, which may be of use once the lockdowns start to ease. As ever, it’s important to read the small print. For example, policies are invalidated during a government-imposed regional or national lockdown in the UK.

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

Some insurers will cover against coronavirus if the FCDO has listed your destination as safe to visit before you head off. Some offer cancellation cover if you’re diagnosed with Covid-19 within a fortnight of departure, including emergency Covid-related medical expenses while abroad and repatriation, as well as cover in the event of a travelling companion contracting the disease. And you can find insurers that offer cover for medical expenses resulting from Covid-19 for all destinations including countries under FCDO and government essential and non-essential travel advisories.

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

If you have booked a package with a tour operator and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to your destination, your tour operator is obliged to cancel the holiday and offer you a full refund. They might also offer you an alternative holiday, or suggest you postpone travelling dates, but you are entitled to get your cash back. If you can afford to, consider postponing your trip rather than cancelling it completely, should your health or updated government advice mean that you can’t go away as planned. There are a lot of people out there relying on us to keep spending on travel, with around 10 per cent of the world's population earning an income that is linked to tourism. To learn more about how important this is, see our guide to why you shouldn't cancel your holiday .

What if I booked my trip independently?

Travellers who have booked, say, a flight and accommodation separately, normally have no right to a refund if they cancel unilaterally, even if the FCDO has since advised against travel. In practice, however, most airlines are cancelling flights and refunding passengers in this situation. A hotel or villa company doesn’t have to give you your money back – though it is obviously worth talking to them; they may allow you to postpone your stay.

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

It’s vital to make sure you pay for flights with a credit card (if you are booking a flight directly with the airline and it costs more than £100 you can claim your money back from the credit card company), and check that any tour operator you book with has up-to-date Atol protection – or can show that it has an alternative bonding arrangement in place.

Which websites should I check for the best travel insurance information and advice?

A good website that gives the latest figures for every country reporting cases of Covid-19 is worldometers.info . For the latest formal FCDO advice on every country in the world see gov.uk and search for travel advice. The best health advice is at nhs.uk .

By Charlotte Davey

By Jessica Puckett

By Karthika Gupta

Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

Yes and no. As of Thursday 31 December 2020, Britain left the EU, but anyone holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will be covered for state-supplied medical care while holidaying in Europe until it runs out. And while the EHIC card has been scrapped for anyone who doesn't currently hold one, it has been replaced by the very similar GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).

Anything else I need to worry about?

Insurers have become very jumpy about pre-existing medical conditions in recent years because they add to the risk of expensive medical claims and cancellations. It is absolutely critical that you declare any conditions you may have when you buy a policy, otherwise – if you do need treatment while you are travelling – you may find your claim is refused.

How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan. 

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin. 

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available. 

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.  

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more:  Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo. 

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000. 

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection.  Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. 

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more:  PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions? 

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

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Omicron and Travel: So, Now Do I Need Trip Insurance?

In light of the new variant, is extra protection warranted for things like flight and lodging cancellations and quarantine hotels? It depends. Here’s what you need to know.

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By Elaine Glusac

While the pandemic has depressed travel, it may have encouraged travel insurance, say those in the industry.

“The biggest question we get from customers is: ‘What happens if I get Covid during travel and what if I have to quarantine?’” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of Seven Corners , a travel insurance management company. “Covid has created a much broader awareness of travel insurance.”

But will it help you in light of the new Omicron variant, which has already led to new travel restrictions and requirements? In the early days of the pandemic, travel insurance largely failed to protect travelers who wanted or needed to cancel as the world shut down. The following are answers to common questions about travel insurance now.

Does travel insurance cover Covid-19, including the new Omicron variant?

For the most part, yes, travel insurance policies now treat Covid-19 in all its variants — including Omicron — like any other medical emergency.

“Consumers should know that most travel insurance plans with medical benefits now treat Covid like any other illness that you could contract while traveling or that could prohibit you from going on your trip,” said Carol Mueller, a vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . “If you become ill before your trip, you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming your illness and that you are unable to travel in order to be eligible for benefits. The benefits are the same regardless of whether you contract Omicron, another variant of Covid or any illness for that matter.”

Buyers should read the policies carefully and look out for those that exclude pandemics, Covid-19 and its variants. To make a claim, you must have had travel insurance before becoming ill.

“We always say, you can’t buy auto insurance after you’ve already had an accident,” said Meghan Walch, the product manager of InsureMyTrip , an insurance sales site. “It is designed for unforeseen issues. You have to purchase it before an event.”

I am traveling internationally. If borders close because of Omicron, am I covered through travel insurance?

No, most policies do not cover you if your foreign destination closes its borders to visitors, as Israel did recently. With a few exceptions, that also goes for a government-issued travel warning to a destination, which is generally not a covered reason to make a claim.

Given the added uncertainties of Omicron, should I consider a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ policy?

Cancel for Any Reason, or C.F.A.R., provisions would allow you to claim some of your nonrefundable costs if you decide not to go on a trip for any reason, including border closures or fear of contracting Covid. The rub is that this form of insurance — in addition to being more expensive — must generally be purchased within a few weeks of booking the trip and will only return 50 to 75 percent of nonrefundable trip costs.

“Most travel insurance policies do not cover you for wanting to cancel out of fear of Covid. We say this 10 times a week,” said Sarah Groen, the owner of the agency Bell and Bly Travel . She counsels clients to consider their worst fears — illness, for example, or quarantine — in troubleshooting travel insurance. “We’ve become like therapists,” she said.

What about quarantine and medical expenses?

Make sure the policy you choose covers these. In the case of medical coverage, check with your regular health insurer; many policies will not cover you abroad, which is an additional reason to consider coverage if you are traveling internationally.

“What travel insurance can do is cover additional hotel stays if you are able to self-quarantine and additional airfare when you’re able to come home,” said Megan Moncrief, the chief marketing officer for Squaremouth , a travel insurance sales site. She added that most policies will extend to seven days past your originally scheduled return date, effectively covering only about seven days in case of quarantine.

Do some destinations require travel insurance?

Yes, primarily to cover medical care or quarantine accommodations in the event that a traveler tests positive for Covid-19. For example, Singapore requires medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Singapore dollars, or about $22,000. Fiji requires travel insurance to cover potential treatment for Covid-19, and makes it available from about $30. Some destinations, such as Anguilla , recommend rather than require travel insurance. InsureMyTrip.com has a page devoted to countries that require travel insurance.

It bears thinking about what it would take to get home for treatment should you contract Covid-19 abroad. Thailand, for example, requires travelers to have medical insurance with the minimum coverage of $50,000. “Evacuation out of Thailand would be higher,” said Sasha Gainullin, the chief executive of Battleface , a travel insurance start-up that unbundles benefits. In the case of a Thailand trip, he advised taking medical coverage up to $100,000 for treatment locally and $500,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Do I need insurance if I have bookings with flexible cancellation policies?

Probably not, if you have hotel reservations that allow free cancellation 24 to 48 hours in advance. The same with flights; if your flight is changeable and will provide a voucher or refund in case of cancellation, you’re covered.

I have rented a house with restrictive cancellation penalties. Can I insure against those?

Yes. Vacation home rentals from Airbnb and the like can be treated just like other accommodations that do not offer refunds. In this case, you would want to get a policy in the amount you would forfeit if you had to cancel for a covered reason like illness. Again, fear of travel is not a covered reason; for that, you would need C.F.A.R.

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misstated the timeframe within which it is recommended that Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance be purchased. It is generally within about two to three weeks of booking the trip, not one or two days.

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Traveling in the covid-19 era: what you need to know about travel insurance.

This blog post can also be found on our  Coronavirus Resource Center .

Travel is one of the many aspects of our lives that have been altered by the pandemic . In recent months, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, we have had to cancel or postpone everything from business meetings to family reunions and transatlantic flights to summer road trips.

A study by Temple University found that 58% of Americans feel that travel insurance is "more necessary" than it was before COVID-19. The travel insurance industry is adapting to meet the changing needs of travelers. New coverages exist, and new exclusions and deletions are popping up. In this insight, we will examine what travel insurance covers, and, even more importantly, what it may not cover.

Here are some of the common risks that can be mitigated by purchasing specialty travel related insurance. These coverages can be structured in various ways to protect the entire family, or an individual, at reasonable prices.

Medical Care or Evacuation While Traveling

Medical emergencies can arise at any time, whether due to a prior condition, sudden illness, or injury. Some statistics show that nearly one in 30 trips results in some sort of medical emergency. However, having access to quality medical care while traveling abroad requires prior planning.

Consider this scenario: While exploring in a remote area of the Mexican Baja on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, your spouse experiences a rapid onset of severe chest pain and develops a high fever. The closest medical facility is a one-room clinic, and there is a severe language barrier between you and the staff. How can you be certain you will be afforded a high level of care? Is there an alternative that will allow you to see a specialized physician back home?

Depending on your specific situation, there are policies that can provide round-the-clock medical assistance and evacuation services, transitioning your emergency care to state-of-the-art equipment and doctors back in the US. There are also medical transport and travel security membership programs for travelers who are frequently abroad.

If Your Trip Is Canceled or Interrupted by Coronavirus

Weather, terrorism, employment, medical emergency, and an uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are all reasons that trips may be postponed or cancelled.

A hypothetical scenario could be that to celebrate your mother's 75th birthday, you plan a long-postponed tour of Italy. Three days before the planned departure, you become ill and must be quarantined in the US. You must cancel the trip. How can you recoup the nonrefundable costs you have incurred?

With the right trip interruption coverage, you can rest assured that your travel costs will be reimbursed. In this line of insurance, many options exist. As always, make sure you have a good understanding of what is and what is not covered. You may purchase trip cancelation insurance as a separate policy, or you may have coverage as part of your credit card or another membership-related plan.

Coronavirus Spreads the Unexpected: Trip Delay/Baggage Issues

Flight delays cause many travelers to miss connecting flights, cruise departures, and lost or delayed baggage can create unanticipated expenses and heartache.

For example: You arrive in Hawaii for a second honeymoon, but your luggage does not. What are some solutions to cover your immediate expenses if the luggage is delayed for a day or two, missing for an extended period, or stolen?

Rather than relying on the airlines to reimburse you, purchasing a trip delay and baggage insurance policy is a simple choice. Specialty policies offer the most robust coverage options, but some credit card companies also provide a basic level of reimbursement for lost baggage. Keep in mind that most credit card provisions do not reimburse for baggage delays when you are returning to your primary destination.

Credit Card Travel Insurance Versus Stand-Alone Policies

While travel-related insurance services are a perk of some credit card memberships, be sure to check your terms and conditions prior to your trip. Many credit card companies have eliminated some of their travel coverage provisions due to the pandemic.

You will gain the most robust coverage with stand-alone policies from reputable carriers. Stand-alone travel insurance policies are traditionally primary, making your credit card trip cancellation and interruption coverage secondary. That means your credit card will cover whatever costs your independent travel insurance does not cover

Prior to 2020, most travelers did not consider infectious outbreaks when they made their plans. The pandemic has changed that. Be sure to read the fine-print of your policy carefully.

In 2018, consumers spent almost $3.8 billion on travel insurance, according to the US Travel Insurance Association , up 40% from 2016. Those policies covered more than 65 million people, and 90% of them included trip interruption and cancellation coverage.

The typical travel insurance policy costs between 4–10% of the cost of your trip, according to InsureMyTrip.com . If you are going to be traveling frequently, you may be better served by an annual policy that can be structured for families and based on the estimated number of trips in a year. Cancel-for-any reason policies, which typically allow you to cancel your trip up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure, are typically more expensive.

How will the travel industry continue to respond to the new COVID-19 reality? Providers are developing policies to offer coverage for some of the impacts of a future pandemic. However, it is too early to know what these policies will look like or how much they might cost. Having a seasoned expert on your side can also help you reduce and insure your risk.

Woodruff Sawyer's dedicated private client practice will continue to keep you updated on this evolving pandemic situation. Whether you are anxious to reschedule that vacation or needing to travel for business again, we always wish you safe travels.

COVID-19 continues to evolve quickly, impacting businesses and personal lives alike. Woodruff Sawyer has established the Coronavirus Resource Center to provide guidance and answer your pressing questions related to risk mitigation and insurance.

Jim Tolliver

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Amex ® Travel Insurance.

Coverage you need to feel confident when you travel.

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After assessing all of your current coverages, to help you find an appropriate Amex Travel Insurance product, please use our ‘Get a quote or purchase a plan’ feature or call 1 844 200-8959.

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You are now leaving this American Express website and will transfer to the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada’s(RSA) website, the insurance underwriter for Amex ® Travel Insurance. All of the information you provide will be subject to the RSA’s Privacy Policy that can be found on their website. Please ensure that you review the premium, coverage details and exclusions of all our Travel Insurance plans to select a product appropriate for your circumstances, including your financial and coverage needs Continue Cancel

Get insurance coverage for your travel needs.

Whether you are looking to embark on a road trip across the country or a quick trip to a top Canadian destination, you can feel good knowing that Amex ®   Travel Insurance 1†  may cover the following:

• Trip cancellation, interruptions or delays
• Loss, theft or damage of baggage and personal items
• Expensive medical bills in the event of an emergency

Due to the global pandemic and travel restrictions, certain trip cancellation/interruption and other travel coverages available under an Amex Travel Insurance plan 1†  may be restricted or unavailable. For more information, please visit  www.rsagroup.ca/amexcovid19 .

Need your insurance today?

Don’t leave home without packing extra reassurance with Amex ®  Travel Insurance 1†  . Get a free, no obligation quote online in minutes and you could receive policy document immediately when you buy online.

Travel Insurance Plans

Per-Trip Plans  (single trip)

Whether you’re heading on a weekend road trip or backpacking through Europe, our flexible trip insurance plans can provide travel insurance for your one-off travels.

Multi-Trip Annual Plans  (unlimited trips of 10, 16, or 31 consecutive days)

Frequent traveller? Amex Travel Insurance provides Multi-Trip Annual Plans that are a convenient and cost-effective way to get travel insurance coverage when you travel more than once in a 365-day period.

Emergency Medical

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip Interruption Insurance

Baggage & Personal Effects

Flight & Travel Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

How does COVID-19 affect my coverage?

You are now leaving this american express website and will transfer to the royal & sun alliance insurance company of canada(rsa) website. rsa is responsible for handling your claim. all of the information you provide will be subject to the rsa privacy policy that can be found on their website. claims are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the certificate of insurance. please continue to the rsa website by clicking continue below. continue cancel, how do i purchase amex ® travel insurance.

Get a no obligation quote and make a purchase online in minutes by clicking the ‘Get a quote or purchase a plan’ feature on the Amex® Travel Insurance home page , or by calling +1-844-200-8959.

What is the maximum number of days I can buy travel insurance for?

You can purchase travel insurance for up to 365 days, which will cover you beyond the maximum number of days allowed outside your Canadian province or territory of residence. This is provided you receive written permission from the provincial government in your province of residence to maintain your provincial government health insurance coverage beyond the regular maximum in advance of your departure. In the event of a claim, you will be asked to provide such written permission.

When should I buy travel insurance?

If you are planning on travelling outside your home province or territory, it’s important to purchase travel insurance before you leave, to help protect yourself in the event of a medical emergency. If you plan on purchasing pre-paid travel arrangements, you may wish to consider purchasing trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage at the same time in order to protect your investment should you have to cancel your trip due to a covered reason.

How do I file a complaint in relation to the service or coverage I have received?

Why Amex ®  Travel Insurance?

Coverage meets

Amex ®  Travel Insurance provides flexible coverage to fit your travel plans and budget.

Service you can

You can travel with confidence knowing your trip is backed by the same quality service from American Express that you’ve come to know and trust.

Flexible to suit your needs

Amex ®  Travel Insurance offers four pre-packaged plans that may be topped up or extended based on the coverage you’re looking for.

We keep it simple

With us, you can get a free, no-obligation quote online in minutes and you could receive policy documents immediately when you buy online.

Contact us: 1-844-200-8959

Mon - Fri: 8am-8pm (EST); Sat: 9am-5pm (EST)

†  Amex ®  Travel Insurance is optional group travel insurance underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit  rsagroup.ca . In this outline, we have given a brief description of just some of the benefits available under Amex ®  Travel Insurance. All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the Group Policy issued to Amex Bank of Canada and the applicable limitations and exclusions described in the Certificate of Insurance issued upon enrollment. Please read the Certificate of Insurance carefully. Amex ®  Travel Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. Amex Bank of Canada identifies insurance providers and products that may be of interest to some of its customers. In this role we do not act as an agent or fiduciary for you, and we may act on behalf of the insurance provider, as permitted by law. We want you to be aware that we receive compensation from insurance providers and our compensation may vary by provider and product. We do not require you to purchase any insurance product, and you may choose to cover your insurance needs from other sources on terms they may make available to you.

® , TM: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

© 2022 Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved. ®RSA, RSA & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of RSA Insurance Group Limited, licensed for use by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. RSA is a trade name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.

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Travel Insurance COVID-19 FAQs

Covid -19 travel insurance advice .

Updated 15th December 2021

Covid-19 travel insurance advice

Foreign, commonwealth and development office.

Travel disruption is still possible and national control measures may be brought in with little notice. For the latest travel advice, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

COVID-19 policy exclusion

There is no cover under the policy for amendments (Under Section B4.1 Cancellation, Curtailment, Rearrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure & Travel Delay) to your trip, resulting from:

A)      SARS-COV-2

B)      COVID-19

C)      or any derivative or mutation of A or B

And due to any law or guidance or regulation by any of the following:

i) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or,

ii) any other similar body for Insured Persons not resident in Britain, or

iii) any other legally empowered regulatory body or government or local authority

which advises against all travel, or advises against all but essential travel, or prevents, or restricts, or denies the Insured Person from travelling.

How to submit a Travel Insurance Claim

RSA will review each claim on its own merits.  Please read the instructions below before submitting a claim.

RSA have advised the following:

In order to trigger a claim under this policy, you have to evidence that the amount you have paid is not otherwise recoverable. We have recently obtained some Legal advice, which confirms Airline and Tour Operators are legally obliged to provide a full refund in respect of Cancellation claims as a result of Covid-19.

The Flight Compensation Regulation and the Package Travel Regulations confirm that if the journey is cancelled due to "extraordinary circumstances" a full refund has to be provided to the traveller. We have asked our Panel law firm to prepare some standard template letters, in order to support you to try and obtain a full refund and the first letter can be found [insert]. If you do not receive a response we can provide a second letter.

Again, if your trip has been booked using a credit card you have to evidence that any amounts paid are not recoverable to trigger the policy, as per your rights under section 75 of the Consumer Act 1974, which is stated below;

Your rights under Section 75

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the credit card company is jointly and severally liable for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by the retailer or trader.

This means it is just as responsible as the retailer or trader for the goods or service supplied, allowing you to also put your claim to the credit card company. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/can-i-claim-on-my-credit-card-when-something-goes-wrong

You don't have to reach a stalemate with the retailer or trader before you can contact your credit card provider - you can make a claim to both the retailer and credit card provider simultaneously, although you can't recover your losses from both.

This right is particularly useful if the retailer or trader has gone bust, or it doesn't respond to your letters or phone calls.

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act also applies to foreign transactions as well as goods bought online, by telephone or mail order for delivery to the UK from overseas.

To consider the claim further we must have evidence of the following;

• That the loss is not otherwise recoverable
• If you paid for the trip using a credit card? Supporting documents to show you also confirmed no refund is available through this route
• A copy of the contract if there is specific exclusion term being relied on by the Tour Operator/ Airline
• It requires you send a letter asserting a request for refund of monies from Airline / Tour operator (This is the template letter which can be found [insert location)
• Challenge any refusal in writing (We can provide this template letter as required)

Travel Assistance Contact Details

If a traveller contracts COVID-19 while abroad, it should be noted that the local domestic health authority will be treating patients, in line with the global response.

Should you need to make contact in an emergency:

For medical emergencies that require urgent assistance call the local emergency services.  Please make sure you are aware of the number prior to travel.  As soon as possible thereafter call the Medical & Security Assistance telephone helpline on +44 (0) 208 608 4100

If you require additional information relating to Medical or Security Assistance which is not available within the Healix App or via Risk Monitor, please also telephone the helpline: +44 (0) 208 608 4100.

In all instances remember to quote your policy number: RTT306251

  COVID-19 Policy Exclusion  FAQ  

Faqs covid-19 policy exclusion, will the college travel insurance cover me in respect of covid-19 or sars-cov-2, or their variants.

Cover relating to Cancellation, Curtailment, Re-arrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure and Travel Delay has been removed in respect of Countries where:

i) the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),

ii) or, any other comparable body for Insured Persons whose permanent place of residence is not in Britain, e.g. US State Dept.

iii) or, World Health Organisation (WHO), or similar governing body, or,

iv) any other legally empowered regulatory body or government or local authority advises against all travel, or advises against all but essential travel, or prevents, or restricts, or denies the Insured Person from travelling.

The exclusion removes cover where there is advice against travel, or laws / guidance / regulation prevents, restricts or denies travel, at the time that the trip is booked, and

The exclusion removes the cover if the Insured Person goes ahead with travel when restrictions or regulations are in place, and puts themselves at known risk of curtailment, rearrangement etc.

All external journey travel involves two or more countries, and as a result there is potential need to consult not only the FCDO, but also WHO or other similar bodies, or governments of another country who may put in place restrictions.

The insurance exclusion wording follows:

Section B4.1 Cancellation, Curtailment, Rearrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure & Travel Delay Cover Covid-19 Exclusion

In respect of any Trip (including where the Operative Time extends to Business and Leisure Travel) booked on or after 1st November 2020 the following Exclusion is added to the Cancellation, Curtailment, Re-arrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure and Travel Delay Insurance Section

The Company will not pay any claim which is directly, or indirectly, as a result of, or, is contributed to by, or, is as a consequence of:

A. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) or B. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or C. any derivative or mutation of either A. or B.

where the Insured Person is arranging or booking to travel to or from, or, is travelling to or from, any country, or, area within a country, where there is any law or guidance or regulation by any of the following:

i) the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, or, ii) any other similar body for Insured Persons not resident in Britain, or iii) any other legally empowered regulatory body or government or local authority

For travellers going abroad, you should check the most up to date advice from the FCDO or the appropriate body. Here is the link to the FCDO website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

If the FCDO have shown a Country as advising against all but essential international travel and have then exempted that Country and allowed travel, then Cancellation Curtailment, Re-arrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure and Travel Delay will operate, but only where the exemption applies.

Where it is known that the exemption will be lifted and a booking is made before it is implemented, cover will not be in place.

Does this exclusion affect other elements of our Travel Policy?

Other sections of the policy, including emergency medical expenses, are not subject to this exclusion or any other exclusion pertaining to COVID-19.

How does the Exclusion operate if on a Study Abroad or Long-Term Placement?

If you are a Study Abroad student or a member of staff or student on a long-term placement and you are planning to travel abroad from your placement country the principal source of guidance on whether travel is allowed should be the Government of the country in which you are based. However, it is important to understand requirements of destination territories and the FCDO site and WHO site can assist with this.

Aside from applying Cancellation of the entire trip how else could the exclusion apply?

The exclusion does not just apply to Cancellation but also to Curtailment, Re-arrangement, Replacement, Missed Departure and Travel Delay and as such it is important that travellers not only know whether travel is permissible but also what are the COVID-19 related restrictions of Airlines and other Transport providers in making a journey and of the destination country in respect of testing and quarantining on arrival for example as the exclusion would apply to losses arising from failure to comply with these requirements.

Travel Insurance Claims FAQ

Covid-19 travel insurance faqs, q. where can i find a claim form.

A. To obtain a claim form please go to https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff-travel-and-expenses/claims-and-post-trip-activities/submitting-an-insurance-claim/

Q. Where do I send my claim?

A.  Please send all claims to [email protected]

Q. What action should I take, if any, in advance of submitting a travel claim?

A. If a travel cancellation or disruption loss does occur, before submitting a claim, we suggest that you should first contact the travel agent, airline or hotel to seek a refund or make alternative travel arrangements based on existing tickets and bookings. After this, if you still have a loss that is unrecoverable from any other source, please submit a claim in the usual manner along with the original and amended itineraries and other relevant documents to substantiate the loss.

Q. Can I make a claim if I need to cancel pre-booked travel?

A. Our travel policy is defined by the FCDO.  If at the time of booking there was no travel restrictions then the policy will respond, subject to the terms and conditions.  We would advise all travellers to regularly check FCDO travel advice for their destination and any countries in transit.  If the advice changes to “against travel” and the traveller wishes to cancel or postpone their trip, they can submit a claim.

Q. Can I make a claim for costs against College Insurance if the event I am due to attend has been cancelled by the organiser?

A. If an organiser (not ICL) has cancelled an event, then the policy should respond.

Q. How do I get more information about my destination country?

A. For country advice and assistance please use: Healix International, an advanced online country/city risk intelligence service.

Travellers need to self-register at https://www.rsainsurance.co.uk/commercial-insurance-products/business-travel and follow the instructions for Healix International.

You can also download the RSA Travel Assistance App or Healix Travel Oracle App from Google Play or Apple Store.

Q. Are there apps I can use for travel risk and medical assistance?

A. You can download the RSA Travel app for pre-travel information as well as pre-programmed access to the insurer’s 24-hour helpline and direct access to Healix for medical assistance.  The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.   You need to enter the Policy number RTT 306251 as part of the registration process.

Q. Can I submit an insurance claim through my expenses

A. The policy excess will be waived for COVID-19 claims.  Finance Managers should not be accepting insurance claims through expenses, as noted in the Expenses policy here.

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The Best Travel Insurance Policies Right Now — and How to Choose One During the Pandemic

With new variants coming and going during the pandemic, there’s renewed interest in being protected while making travel plans.

When COVID-19 first brought travel to an abrupt halt in 2020, travelers were shocked to learn that their insurance didn't cover changes due to an epidemic or pandemic, even one on a global scale. Many who were in the midst of their travels ended up having to shell out their own money, while those with future plans suddenly lost out on non-refundable bookings. Nearly two years into the new reality with variants spreading and ebbing, travel bookings are being made with more caution — with a major uptick in protecting those plans with travel insurance.

"We can't predict every new variant that arises, so for the foreseeable future, you have to expect some sort of COVID-related effect on your travel plans," NerdWallet 's credit card and travel expert Sara Rathner tells Travel + Leisure . "Not every vacation needs travel insurance — refundable flights and hotel bookings you can easily back out of can be enough for you. But for very expensive trips, especially if you're going abroad, you'll want to think of additional ways to protect your investment."

Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer of insurance comparison company Squaremouth , says news of the omicron variant in recent weeks has already resulted in a shift in insurance purchases. "With news of a new highly transmittable variant, and in light of some countries already closing their borders, travelers may have less confidence about the likelihood of their borders remaining open and their travel being possible," she tells T+L. "Likewise, new and evolving requirements may complicate international travel more than travelers are willing to coordinate."

Those factors make travel insurance a more important consideration now. But navigating various offerings can be a challenge, especially when there may already be embedded coverage when booking through certain companies or certain credit cards. "We caution travelers to make sure they aren't overspending on a policy that doesn't cover their concerns, or if they can have adequate coverage elsewhere," Moncrief adds. "Due to the very specific nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and related concerns, we urge travelers to do their due diligence to understand what type of refunds are available to them elsewhere, and then do some research before investing in a travel insurance policy."

Here, we outline the major types of travel insurance — but no matter the policy you choose, make sure to read the fine print carefully and speak with your provider about any concerns.

1. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance

If you're worried about losing money on your trip, CFAR insurance is likely the best plan for you. "With it, you can recoup most of what you paid no matter the reason you back out of your trip," Rathner says. "If standard policies don't offer the level of coverage you want, this could be an option."

While the policy can typically be added 14 to 21 days after the initial trip deposit date, the major downside of CFAR insurance is that it's expensive and doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'll get all your money back. Moncrief says that CFAR plans are typically 40 to 50% more expensive than standard travel insurance policies, and they often only cover up to a 75% reimbursement of non-refundable trip costs, with others only covering 50%. But if border closures or last-minute cancellations due to variants or new travel requirements are a concern, this may be the way to go. Bottom line: This kind of policy might only be worth it if you're taking a really expensive trip.

2. Pandemic-specific Insurance

While many insurance providers have kept their policies pretty much the same (i.e. they still exclude the pandemic as a reason for coverage), a select few are offering new plans designed specifically for pandemic-concurrent travel. Seven Corners, for instance, has an option that includes COVID-19 medical coverage , which is valid for up to $100,000 in coronavirus-related medical expenses. Meanwhile, Allianz has added a special COVID-19 provision into some of its policies that cover cancellations, interruptions, and emergency medical expenses arising from contracting the virus before or during a trip. Again, reading the fine print is key.

"The biggest mistake we are seeing now is travelers simply assuming a policy can cover any inconvenience or change related to the pandemic," Moncrief says. "In reality, an insurance policy will only cover a very specific list of 'perils.' While this is typically a comprehensive list, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront concerns that had never before been considered a threat to travel." She reiterates that border closures are one of the big examples that have come to light over the last two years with pandemic travel.

There are also travel insurance policies that have been developed specifically for the new ways in which people are traveling — namely, domestic road trips. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection launched its ExactCare Lite policy for that reason. Also, if you are traveling domestically, keep in mind that your health insurance will likely cover you during your trip.

3. Provider-offered Travel Insurance

In order to win back travelers, a number of airlines, hotels, and cruise lines started offering specific COVID-19 travel insurance policies, which might even be free. Cathay Pacific includes free COVID-19 travel insurance with every booking through the end of the year; Japan Airlines through Jan. 10, 2022; and Etihad through March 31, 2022. Hotel groups like Club Med , Iberostar , and Shangri-La are also providing similar programs. Cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages has also implemented emergency evacuation and return-to-home insurance policies for all guests.

But again, not all provider-offered insurance plans are equal, which is why reading the fine print is crucial. "Most travel insurance policies offered through a travel supplier are mainly designed to provide benefits related to that supplier, meaning other concerns, like illness at the destination, may not be covered," Moncrief says. "Oftentimes, these policies leave off common benefits of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to be competitively priced."

4. Credit Card Travel Insurance

You're probably aware that many credit cards have travel insurance policies built into them. Those often provide enough trip cancellation, travel delays, rental cars, and baggage benefits. "Just remember that you need to use that card to make your bookings in order to get that coverage," Rathner says. "Simply carrying the card while paying with another one isn't enough."

If you're traveling with expensive items that you want covered, the maximum coverage on credit card benefits can help cover them. But in other cases, it may not fit your needs. "These policies rarely include medical coverage, which is a leading driver of travel insurance purchases, and in some cases, may require the trip to be entirely booked on that card for coverage to apply," Moncrief adds.

5. Standard Travel Insurance

Even though standard travel insurance typically excludes coverage for reasons related to a pandemic, many providers like airlines, hotels, and cruises are still offering flexible policies on rebooking and cancellation — which is just the kind of reassurance you need to book your trip. Just note that anything you've paid for outside of your flight, hotel, or cruise will likely not be covered, so you'd still be on the hook for those expenses. Additionally, some providers have very specific time frames for cancellation, while others only offer a credit toward future travels rather than a full refund.

"The worst thing a traveler can do is assume they are covered for anything that could happen," Moncrief says. "Especially now, given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel, it's more important than ever to do some extra research to truly understand your policy's coverage. We never want a traveler to pay the additional expense on an insurance policy on top of their other trip costs if it won't provide the protection they are looking for. Coverage does vary by plan, as does the maximum payout limits per benefit. Policies are also priced differently per demographic. Travelers can use an aggregator, like Squaremouth , to compare coverage and prices to find the best policy for their trip."

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in June 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. 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.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• 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.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

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: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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

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6 Best Travel Insurance For USA with Covid-19 Coverage

The U.S. finally reopened for international visitors after nearly two years of strict travel bans. Considering a trip there? Even though you might be vaccinated, which is now one of the key requirements to enter the U.S. for foreign nationals, you are still at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Additional expenses might come with COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment. And as we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our fellow travelers, we have chosen the 5 best insurance plans to have your back even if you travel to the U.S. during the coronavirus crisis.

So read on. These are the 5 best COVID-19 insurance plans for traveling, working, living, or studying in the U.S.

Best Covid Travel Insurance For the U.S.

• SafetyWing Travel Insurance – Best Rated
• Explore North America® Plus
• CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits
• Staysure Travel Insurance – Best for U.K. Travelers
• Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted
• Travel Insurance Select® – Best for couples and Families

1. SafetyWing Travel Insurance – BEST RATED

This travel medical insurance is the best option for travelers to U.S. It is also a great choice for both short and long-term tourists or remote workers.

• Safety Wing covers COVID-19 the same way as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.
• It covers you in your home country as well, as long as your visit there is incidental.
• Since April 15, 2021, it covers quarantine outside your home country of $50/day for up to 10 days. Note that the quarantine can be covered only once a year and if mandated by a physician or governmental authority.
• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is also pretty affordable . Depending on your age, the prices are as follows for a 4-week period: 10-39 years old: USD 76.72, 40-49 years old: USD 126.56. For other age groups, you can find the prices here.
• Testing for COVID-19 is covered only if deemed necessary by a physician. That is rather inconvenient, as most countries require testing before entry.
• It does not cover citizens from Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.

If you are new to SafetyWing, the COVID-19 coverage will be added automatically to your plan. On the other hand, if you are already part of SafetyWing, we recommend you reach out to their customer service team, and they will upgrade your plan. 

SafetyWing also offers Remote Health insurance which is suitable for long-term nomads. It is more pricey but covers pre-existing conditions, cancer treatment, and you can use it in your home country as well.

What else does this insurance cover?

On top of everything, SafetyWing covers more than 94 recreational activities, including surfing, biking, hiking, and snowboarding.

2. Explore North America® Plus — Coronavirus Travel Insurance

Explore North America Plus travel insurance is a comprehensive medical coverage administered by Seven Corners that offers extensive coverage for Covid19 and other diseases.

This insurance plan also covers Non-U.S. residents and Non-U.S. citizens who are traveling outside their home country to the United States, Mexico, Canada, or all Caribbean countries except Cuba.

Special COVID-19 coverage:

We have chosen Explore North America Plus because of its special benefits when it comes to coronavirus medical expenses. 

Most travel insurances that claim to cover COVID-19 medical treatments include a “convenient” fine print that says they won’t cover you if the country you are visiting has a government no-travel alert, which most countries have.

That does not happen with Explore North America® Plus. If you contract COVID-19 on your trip, you’re covered, as simple as that.

• The plan covers medically Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) treatment for COVID-19 up to $100,000 or whichever is less.
• Emergency Room Services – (URC) up to medical maximum – $100 copay
• Urgent Care Visit – (URC) up to medical maximum – $20 copay

Other benefits:

• It also covers some onset of pre-existing conditions
• Hospital Indemnity – Only applies to Canada, Mexico and the unrestricted Caribbean countries* – Up to $150 per day, 30-day limit
• Incidental trips on your home country – Up to $10,000
• Dental – Relief of pain – Up to $200
• Dental – Accident – Up to $5,000
• Evacuation and Repatriation – Up to $500,000 (separate from the medical maximum)
• It only covers trips of up to one year
• It does not cover people older than 74 
• *The plan does not cover trips to Cuba.

Interested? – Get your quote here !

3. CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits

CoverAmerica is perfect for travelers and tourists visiting the U.S. who are not citizens or residents of the country.

• CoverAmerica covers COVID-19 as any other medical condition. However, note that it has to be purchased for at least 30 days to be eligible for the benefit.
• Unlike other travel plans, it has comprehensive coverage for COVID-19 . That means you can get reimbursement for delays, quarantine days, or missed flight connections if you get infected with the coronavirus.
• The coverage limit is up to USD 1,000,000 (conditions may apply).

• NOT available for U.S. citizens and residents.
• Citizens from Iran, Syria, the Virgin Islands, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone cannot contract this insurance. 
• This travel insurance covers emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions, acute dental treatment, and eye exams.

To learn more about CoverAmerica and its plans, click here .

4. Staysure Travel Insurance – BEST FOR U.K. TRAVELERS

Staysure Travel Insurance is the best choice for visitors traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.

• Staysure covers trip cancellations , emergency medical treatment, as well as repatriation expenses if you get affected by COVID-19 (conditions may apply).
• It also offers daily benefits if you have to self-isolate, additional accommodation, and transport, but only if mandated by a health official.
• If your close relative or a member of your household is hospitalized or dies of COVID-19, you can cancel or cut your trip short and claim reimbursement.
• Moreover, it is reasonably priced. To get a quote, visit the website here .
• ONLY for travelers traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.
• You won’t be covered if you have refused any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Does not cover COVID-19 testing, which is often needed to be able to travel.

What’s covered?

Note that Staysure doesn’t cover you if you travel during government or regional lockdown.

5. Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted

Allianz Travel Insurance is suitable for all types of travelers traveling from Ireland. From digital nomads and remote workers to students and backpackers, they offer a variety of plans in three different levels – bronze, silver, and gold.

Pros: 

• This travel insurance covers general COVID-19 medical treatment, as well as additional accommodation , transport , or cancellation of your trip if you contract the virus.
• They offer several insurance plans, such as Single Trip Insurance, Backpacker Travel Insurance, or Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance.
• You can cancel or cut your trip short if your close relative or travel companion gets seriously ill from the disease.
• If the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) advises against all non-essential travel, you can make your claim only if you provide documentation that you travel for a specific reason, not leisure.
• It is ONLY for citizens and residents of the Republic of Ireland.
• Allianz Travel Insurance offers an extensive Winter Sports and Ski add-on.

Interested in this insurance travel plan? Get your quote .

6. Travel Insurance Select®

This plan is a great fit for American couples, families, and friends traveling together around the country or overseas. Tours, business trips, and those traveling with social groups can also be covered by Travel Insurance Select®

Benefits and non-insurance:

• Trip cancellation coverage – it refunded you up to 100% of the money you invested in your trip.
• Coverage for trip interruption – you can get up to 150% of your trip expenditures back (depending on the coverage you choose).
• Travel Delay – If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more due to covered circumstances such as carrier-caused delays, lost passports, strikes, or bad weather, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain extra charges, up to the maximum for the option you chose.
• Missed Connection – Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500.
• Covid Quarantine Benefit: “Travel Insurance Select Elite plan offers coverage for accommodations due to a covered Trip Delay $2,000/$250 per person per day (12 hours) is included in the basic coverage.”
• Emergency support services are available 24/7, so you may get aid whenever you need it.

Example – Quote for a couple in their late 30’s traveling for two weeks from California to Washington :

Medical Expense

All plans include emergency medical evacuation, medical repatriation and return of remains.

It can pay reasonable expenses for an emergency medical evacuation ordered by a physician for a covered injury or sickness to the next acceptable medical facility or home, if medically necessary, up to the limit for your preferred option.

Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions available for the Plus and Elite plans.

Special COVID-19 coverage

COVID-19 is treated as any other illness.  Trip Cancellation benefits may be available if you are treated by a legally certified physician.

A person who gets ill while traveling in an affected nation may be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense or Emergency Medical Evacuation benefits.

A person who is required to enter quarantine in their destination due to a positive Covid-19 test can be eligible for Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) – this option must be purchased as an upgrade within 21 days of your initial trip deposit/payment.

The basic plan does not cover Cancel for Any Reason.

So, what do you think? Have you chosen your favorite? We hope our comparison has helped you at least a bit, and you will have peace of mind even while traveling during unpredictable times such as the pandemic. Enjoy, stay safe, and see you in the U.S.!

Disclaimer: Most travel insurance companies are still adapting to the “new normal” way to travel the world. We strongly advise you to check with your insurance company before committing to any insurance plan.