Travel Insurance Compared
We reviewed the top travel insurance providers so you don't have to. Compare coverage, pricing, and ratings to find the right plan for your next trip.
Why you need travel insurance
One unexpected event can turn your dream trip into a financial nightmare. Here are three real scenarios.
Medical emergency abroad
A broken leg in Europe can cost $30,000+ without insurance. Most domestic health plans don't cover you internationally.
Trip cancellation
Flights, hotels, and tours are often non-refundable. Insurance reimburses you when illness, injury, or family emergencies force a change of plans.
Lost luggage & delays
Airlines lose millions of bags each year. Insurance covers replacement essentials and compensates for extended delays.
Top providers at a glance
SafetyWing
Built for nomads and remote workers
★★★★★4.5- ✓Medical up to $250,000
- ✓Travel delay
- ✓Lost luggage
- ✓Emergency evacuation
+ Month-to-month billing
+ No fixed end date needed
+ Covers 180+ countries
- Lower adventure sports coverage
- No trip cancellation
World Nomads
Adventure travel specialists
★★★★☆4.3- ✓Medical up to $100,000
- ✓Trip cancellation
- ✓Gear & equipment
- ✓Emergency evacuation
+ Covers 200+ adventure activities
+ Buy while already traveling
+ 24/7 emergency assistance
- More expensive for short trips
- Claims process can be slow
Allianz Travel Insurance
Trusted household name
★★★★☆4.2- ✓Medical up to $150,000
- ✓Trip cancellation
- ✓Baggage delay
- ✓Emergency evacuation
+ Trip cancellation included
+ Cancel for any reason add-on
+ App-based claims
- Less flexible for long trips
- Adventure sports limited
Travel Guard (AIG)
Comprehensive coverage for all trip types
★★★★☆4- ✓Medical up to $500,000
- ✓Trip cancellation
- ✓Business equipment
- ✓Emergency evacuation
+ High medical limits
+ Business equipment coverage
+ Concierge service
- Complex plan options
- Pre-existing conditions excluded on basic plans
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | SafetyWing | World Nomads | Allianz Travel Insurance | Travel Guard (AIG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage | $250,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $500,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Adventure Sports | Limited | 200+ activities | Limited | Select activities |
| Baggage Protection | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Emergency Evacuation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $45/mo | $65/trip | $30/trip | $35/trip |
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance worth it?
Yes. A single medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance typically costs 4-8% of your trip cost and covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and evacuation. If you're traveling internationally, it's one of the smartest investments you can make.
What does travel insurance cover?
Most plans cover emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency evacuation, and travel delays. Some plans also cover adventure activities, rental car damage, and cancel-for-any-reason. Coverage varies by provider and plan level.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Many policies require purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage and cancel-for-any-reason benefits. You can still buy later, but you may miss out on some benefits.
Does my credit card cover travel insurance?
Some premium credit cards offer limited travel protection, but it's usually not enough. Credit card coverage typically has lower limits, more exclusions, and doesn't cover medical emergencies abroad. It can supplement a dedicated travel insurance policy but shouldn't replace one.
Can I buy insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance anytime before your trip. However, buying within 14-21 days of your first trip payment often unlocks additional benefits like pre-existing condition waivers and cancel-for-any-reason coverage. Some providers like World Nomads even let you buy while already traveling.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Prices and coverage details are approximate and may vary. We may earn a commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.