Your Guide to the best Travel Insurance.
Flight cancellations, lost luggage, unexpected medical emergencies—these are just a few of the surprises that can turn a dream trip into a stressful situation. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? You don’t want to overpay for unnecessary coverage, but you also don’t want to end up with a policy that leaves you stranded when you actually need help.
To make sure you’re protected (without breaking the bank), here are five practical tips for finding reliable travel insurance.
1. Know What You Need Before You Start Searching
Before you even start comparing plans, take a moment to think about what kind of coverage you actually need. Different trips require different types of protection.
- Are you going on an adventure trip? If you’re planning activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, make sure your insurance covers high-risk sports.
- Are you traveling to a country with expensive healthcare? If you’re visiting places like the U.S. or Switzerland, medical coverage is a must.
- Are you carrying expensive gear? If you’re a digital nomad, photographer, or just traveling with high-value electronics, look for policies that cover lost or stolen items.
- Do you have a lot of pre-paid bookings? If your flights, hotels, and tours are already paid for, trip cancellation coverage is essential.
Pro Tip: A basic travel insurance plan might be fine for short, low-risk trips, but if you’re traveling long-term or doing adventurous activities, you may need more comprehensive coverage.
2. Compare Different Providers and Plans
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and prices can vary widely between providers. The best way to find a good deal is to compare multiple options.
- Use comparison websites like Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, or TravelInsurance.com to see side-by-side details of different policies.
- Check what’s included in the base plan vs. what’s an add-on. Some providers offer cheap base plans but charge extra for essentials like baggage protection.
- Look at policy limits. A policy might claim to cover medical expenses, but if it only reimburses up to $10,000, that won’t go far in a serious emergency.
- Read the fine print! Some cheap policies have tricky exclusions that make it difficult to actually file a claim.
Pro Tip: Instead of going with the first travel insurance your airline or booking site suggests, take a few extra minutes to shop around—it could save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Check for COVID-19 and Emergency Medical Coverage
The last few years have shown us that unexpected health issues can completely derail travel plans. That’s why it’s more important than ever to check for medical and pandemic-related coverage.
- Does the policy cover COVID-19? Some plans include treatment for COVID-related illnesses, while others specifically exclude pandemics.
- Will it cover medical evacuations? If you get seriously ill or injured in a remote location, you might need an emergency medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Is there a 24/7 assistance hotline? In an emergency, having someone you can call anytime for help is invaluable.
- Does it cover hospital stays? Some plans only reimburse doctor visits, leaving you responsible for expensive hospital bills.
Pro Tip: If you have existing health insurance, check whether it offers any international coverage before buying travel insurance—you might be able to choose a cheaper plan with lower medical limits.
4. Understand the Claims Process Before You Buy
A policy might look great on paper, but if the claims process is a nightmare, you could struggle to actually get reimbursed when something goes wrong.
- Check online reviews. Look at customer experiences with the provider—do people complain about slow claim processing or denied reimbursements?
- Understand the documentation requirements. Some insurance companies require extensive paperwork for claims, including receipts, police reports, and doctor’s notes.
- Know the reimbursement process. Will they pay expenses upfront, or do you have to cover costs out of pocket and wait for a refund?
- Look for a provider with a solid reputation. Companies like Allianz, World Nomads, and Travel Guard have been around for years and are trusted by frequent travelers.
Pro Tip: Save all travel-related receipts and important documents (such as doctor’s reports) in a secure digital folder. If you ever need to file a claim, having everything organized will make the process much smoother.
5. Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest Option
It’s tempting to pick the cheapest plan just to say you have travel insurance, but that can backfire if you end up with a policy that doesn’t actually help when you need it.
- Check the coverage limits. If medical coverage is capped at $5,000, that won’t be enough if you have a major accident.
- Look at the exclusions. Some budget plans won’t cover trip cancellations for personal reasons, lost electronics, or pre-existing conditions.
- Balance cost and value. Sometimes spending a little extra on a mid-range plan can save you thousands if something goes wrong.
- Consider an annual policy if you travel frequently. If you take multiple trips a year, an annual plan might be cheaper than buying single-trip policies each time.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about a policy, call customer support and ask specific questions. How they respond can tell you a lot about how helpful they’ll be if you ever need to file a claim.
Finding the right travel insurance isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about making sure you’re covered in case something unexpected happens. By knowing what coverage you need, comparing plans, and checking reviews, you can make sure you get a policy that truly protects you without overpaying.
So, before your next trip, take a little time to research your options. A few extra minutes of planning could save you a lot of stress (and money) later!
What’s your experience with travel insurance? Have you ever had to use it? Let us know in the comments!