Best Travel Insurance for International Travel in 2024
Regardless of how far you plan ahead, no trip abroad is risk-free. From medical emergencies to canceled flights, international trips can take a turn for the worse without a moment’s notice. Purchasing a travel insurance policy for your overseas adventure can provide peace of mind and financial protection from the unexpected.
With hundreds of policies to choose from, finding the best option can be a daunting task for any traveler. To help you on your search, Squaremouth has ranked the top international travel plans of this year.
Best International Travel Insurance in 2024
- Best Overall International Travel Insurance
- Most Affordable International Travel Insurance
- Best International Travel Medical Insurance
- Best International CFAR Insurance
- Best Overall International Travel Insurance
- Trawick International
- Comprehensive Trip Cancellation coverage at an affordable price
- Worldwide 24/7 Emergency Assistance Services
- Generous Money-Back Guarantee period
Trawick International plans are consistently among the most popular travel insurance policies for globetrotters. They offer comprehensive coverage options that fit most budgets, each with generous coverage limits. Most policies include benefits for the most common concerns of international travelers, such as Trip Cancellation, Travel Delay, and Emergency Medical coverage, among others.
- Seven Corners
- Voted one of the ‘Best Travel Insurance Companies’ by Forbes
- Offers several benefit upgrades including Cancel For Any Reason
- Generous Missed Connection and Travel Delay reimbursement
International travelers love Seven Corners because their comprehensive policies offer competitive coverage and affordable prices. The average premium for Seven Corners policies is roughly $260, which is $10 cheaper than the average policy found on Squaremouth. Travelers can enhance their policy with add-ons like CFAR coverage for added flexibility.
- Tin Leg
- Offers policy options that fit most travel budgets
- Award-winning customer service and claims department
- $500+ Baggage & Personal Items Loss coverage per traveler
Tin Leg uses industry data and expertise to create policies that meet the needs of today’s international travelers. Travelers can choose from various plans, all offering comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits. If you need assistance during your trip, Tin Leg’s award-winning, 24-Hour customer service department will be at your assistance.
- Most Affordable International Travel Insurance
- GeoBlue
- Comprehensive portfolio of international health insurance plans
- Emergency Medical plans ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance department
GeoBlue is known for offering strong medical policies at very affordable prices. With premiums averaging just $50 per traveler, their policies offer Emergency Medical coverage up to $1,000,000 and strong emergency evacuation benefits. Certain policies offered by GeoBlue also cover pre-existing medical conditions. Customers heading out on international vacations benefit from GeoBlue’s extensive global network of medical partners.
- WorldTrips
- Comprehensive policies with Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits
- Coverage for delays longer than five hours
- AM Best's Rating of A++ (highest possible rating)
With over 25 years in business, WorldTrips specializes in offering affordable travel insurance policies for international trips. Policies average $86 per traveler and include comprehensive benefits that include cancellation, delay, and medical coverage. WorldTrips offers a generous Missed Connection benefit, which reimburses travelers if a 3+ hour delay causes them to miss a connecting flight.
- Travel Insured International
- Inclusive plans with Travel, Medical, and Baggage Protection
- Offers benefit upgrades including Cancel for Any Reason and Medical Expense Upgrade
- Family-friendly plans include Kids are Free coverage
Travel Insured International is a popular provider among international travelers because they offer comprehensive policies at a lower price. At the average premium of $90 per traveler, policyholders receive popular travel benefits ranging Trip Cancellation to Medical Evacuation. In addition to optional policy upgrades, Travel Insured International also offers strong Job Loss Protection in all plans.
- Best International Travel Medical Insurance
- Seven Corners
- Primary and secondary travel medical insurance plans
- Emergency Medical coverage ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000
- Medical Evacuation plans starting at $100,000 in coverage
Seven Corners began offering travel medical insurance to the international travel community more than 30 years ago. Since then, they have become one of the most trusted names in the industry. On Squaremouth, Seven Corners offers 10 different policies, many of which meet or exceed Squaremouth’s coverage recommendations for international travel. Sports and activities are covered under Seven Corners policies, but limitations and exclusions may apply.
- Trawick International
- Up to $1,000,000 in Emergency Medical Coverage
- Extensive worldwide healthcare network
- 15 policies to choose from, each with varying degrees of medical coverage
When medical emergencies occur while traveling abroad, it helps to know you’re in good hands. Trawick is a globally recognized travel insurance provider, and has a reputation for its extensive global network of physicians. With many policies to choose from, they offer plans that can fit most trip types and budgets. For those taking remote trips, Trawick has policies that provide up to $2,000,000 per person in Medical Evacuation coverage. Many of Trawick’s policies meet Squaremouth’s minimum medical coverage recommendations of $50,000 in Emergency Medical and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
- Tin Leg
- Policies with an AM Best's Rating of A++
- Emergency Medical coverage ranging from $20,000 to $500,000
- Most plans offer Pre-Existing Condition coverage
Tin Leg’s policies are consistently among the most popular medical insurance plans for international travelers. Starting with their Economy plan, customers can get basic medical, delay, and cancellation coverage at an affordable price. Tin Leg’s popular Gold plan offers $500,000 in primary Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage, far exceeding Squaremouth’s international coverage recommendations. Almost all of Tin Leg’s travel insurance policies also offer coverage for Sports & Activities.
- Best International Cancel For Any Reason Insurance
- Seven Corners
- Cancel for Any Reason can be added to most policies
- Cancel for COVID-19 Sickness included in Trip Cancellation
- Trip Cancellation coverage offers reimbursement up to 100%
No travel plans are set in stone, and when travelers need to cancel their trip, it helps to have a travel insurance policy that offers flexibility and generous cancellation coverage. Seven Corners is one of the most popular providers for international travelers searching for a policy with the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade.
- Tin Leg
- Cancel for Any Reason is an optional upgrade with most policies
- Offers up to 75% reimbursement for CFAR cancellations
- Comprehensive benefits including medical and delay coverage
Because travel is often unpredictable, Cancel for Any Reason provides travelers a layer of protection if they need to cancel their plans for an uncovered reason. Tin Leg has a handful of policies that offer CFAR as an optional upgrade. With the upgrade, customers can cancel their trip and receive up to 75% of all prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs, such as flights and hotel stays.
- John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
- Cancel for any Reason Coverage upgrade available to eligible travelers
- Customer service and claims support is available 24/7
- Only 3 hours of trip delay needed for an insurance payout
John Hancock Insurance Agency is one of the leading providers for customers wanting a policy with the Cancel For Any Reason benefit. Cancel For Any Reason can be added to their Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans, and can reimburse travelers that use the benefit up to 75% of their prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
Is Travel Insurance Required for International Travel?
Travel insurance is not typically mandatory when visiting foreign countries, however, some destinations, cruise lines, or adventure tour operators may require proof of medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Even if it’s not required, travel insurance is the best way to protect your health and travel expenses while abroad.
How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of travel insurance will depend a lot on your specific trip details. Providers will often consider your age, destination, trip length, total trip costs, and coverage amounts when generating a quote.
In 2024, the average international travel insurance policy cost travelers roughly $310. However, there are ways to lower your premium, such as electing for travel medical policies that don’t include cancellation coverage.
What to Look for In an International Travel Insurance Policy
Travel insurance policies are made up of a collection of different benefits that outline what expenses and scenarios a policy will cover. Simply put, travel insurance covers unforeseen trip disruptions that result in financial loss.
We recommend paying attention to the following areas the next time you buy travel insurance:
Overseas Travel Medical Coverage
Since most U.S. healthcare plans don’t offer coverage abroad, many Americans turn to travel insurance to protect them from unforeseen medical expenses while traveling. There are two key benefits that can help in the event of a medical emergency; Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation.
The Emergency Medical benefit can reimburse you for the cost of medical care, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medication. For most international trips, we recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. Exclusions and deductibles may apply.
The Medical Evacuation benefit can provide coverage for emergency medical transportation, such as being medically airlifted, to the nearest adequate medical facility. Since the cost of emergency evacuations can be high, we recommend at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Cancellation & Interruption Protection
Each year, thousands of travelers are forced to cancel their trips or end their trips early for reasons outside of their control. With the cost of international travel rising, protecting your trip expenses is more important than ever before.
Comprehensive travel insurance policies include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption that protect your prepaid, non-refundable trip payments if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Most policies will cover cancellations relating to unexpected injuries, illnesses, the sudden death of a family member, natural disasters, and terrorism.
Coverage for Trip Delays & Missed Connections
Roughly a quarter of all flights in America are delayed or canceled. This can be troublesome if you’re traveling internationally and need to catch a connecting flight to reach your final destination. Significant delays can also result in unexpected purchases, such as food and overnight accommodations, as you await your new departure time.
Fortunately, most plans include delay insurance that protect against disruptions caused by inclement weather or mechanical breakdowns. Your Travel Delay benefit can reimburse food and lodging expenses, while your Missed Connection benefit can cover the cost to book new travel arrangements.
Luggage Protection
Millions of bags are mishandled by airlines and other common carriers each year. Being in a foreign country without your belongings can add stress to what’s supposed to be an enjoyable adventure.
Almost all travel insurance policies will include some protection for your personal items. The Baggage & Personal Item Loss benefit will reimburse you for damaged, stolen, or lost luggage, while the Baggage Delay benefit will reimburse you for clothes and toiletry purchases if your bags are delayed en route to your destination.
24 Hour Emergency Assistance
The best travel insurance companies will be by your side every step of your journey. Every travel insurance provider on Squaremouth offers 24/7 travel assistance services to help answer coverage questions, arrange medical treatment, provide claims support, and more.
Additional Benefits You May Need Overseas
Certain trips may call for coverage not included in basic plans. Depending on your itinerary, here are some other potential travel insurance benefits you may want to consider:
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Extends medical benefits to cover pre-existing medical conditions that are often excluded from coverage.
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Provides partial reimbursement of your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a reason that’s not covered by Trip Cancellation insurance.
- Coverage for Adventure Sports: Covers medical expenses relating to an injury or illness sustained while participating in a covered adventure activity. Some adventure travel plans will also include coverage for sports equipment you choose to bring with you.
- Rental Car Damage: Select plans include rental car coverage that covers damage to, or theft of, a rental vehicle during a covered trip.
Different Types of Travel Insurance For International Trips
There are two main types of coverage to choose from when it comes to protecting a trip abroad; Single-trip travel insurance and Annual travel insurance. Both plans offer similar coverage to one another, but vastly differ when it comes to coverage periods.
Single-trip plans are the most common form of travel insurance among international travelers. This type of plan offers coverage for the duration of one trip that’s up to 90 days long, with coverage ending on your scheduled return date. Most single-trip plans are comprehensive and include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage.
Rather than covering a specific trip, Annual travel insurance plans, also known as multi-trip plans, cover travelers for a 365 day period regardless of how many trips they choose to take. This approach can be cost-effective for frequent travelers planning to take at least 2-3 international trips a year. It’s important to note that this coverage option usually won’t reimburse your travel expenses if you need to cancel a trip.
Is International Travel Insurance Worth It?
Yes, travel insurance is worth the cost if you’re concerned about unforeseen events impacting your trip. Even if you have existing coverage through a travel credit card, travel insurance can provide overseas health insurance and provide additional coverage for your travel expenses, itinerary, and belongings.
Comparing policies allows you to see how plans compete on coverage and cost. The best travel insurance plan for an international trip will be one that fits your budget, provides adequate coverage, and gives you peace of mind going into your vacation.
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