Any travel professional will tell you that you should get international travel insurance when going overseas. You might think this is just a marketing tactic to get you to spend a lot of money on something that鈥檚 unlikely to be useful for your trip. But in reality, a good plan can be a literal life-saver, especially during emergencies.
Before you make a purchase, though, you should make sure your questions are answered. What does international travel insurance cover? How much does it cost? Why is it important to both US and non-US citizens, and which are the best plans for global travelers? We鈥檝e done a lot of the legwork for you, so you can have one less thing to worry about as you plan your adventure abroad.
Any travel professional will tell you that you should get international travel insurance when going overseas. You might think this is just a marketing tactic to get you to spend a lot of money on something that鈥檚 unlikely to be useful for your trip. But in reality, a good plan can be a literal life-saver, especially during emergencies.
Before you make a purchase, though, you should make sure your questions are answered. What does international travel insurance cover? How much does it cost? Why is it important to both US and non-US citizens, and which are the best plans for global travelers? We鈥檝e done a lot of the legwork for you, so you can have one less thing to worry about as you plan your adventure abroad.
Discover the Best Travel Insurance for You!
Explore the key differences between our international travel insurance plans to find the perfect coverage for your next trip.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a blanket term for coverage that protects your health, travel expenses, belongings, travel plans, or all of the above. Depending on the type you select, you can recoup your money if your trip is canceled, have lost luggage found or replaced, get top-flight medical care wherever you are in the world, or be covered for risky activities like parasailing, scuba diving, or rock climbing.
The most important benefit comes from travel health coverage, which will cover whatever isn鈥檛 included in your domestic health plan.
Pro Tip: Visit our Plan Picker to find the best plan for your situation.
Travel Coverage Options and Recommendations
We offer travel insurance plans for those traveling within their own countries, but most of our offerings are for international travel. Here are some of the best plan options we offer.
麻豆传媒AV Travel Medical Policies
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Travel Medical Insurance 鈥 Covers emergency medical expenses as well as other risks for visits of less than a year, whether you鈥檙e a US citizen traveling overseas or visiting the US from abroad. Additional benefits include trip interruption, medical evacuation, repatriation, and more.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
麻豆传媒AV Plans for US Citizens
Different plans cover citizens of different countries, and we recommend particular plans for US citizens traveling abroad. The Voyager Plan product is a premium option. Alternatively, the Atlas Travel policy provides similar benefits at a more affordable rate.
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
麻豆传媒AV Plans for Non-US Citizens聽
Below is an excellent plan for those living outside of the USA. This option is affordable yet comes with excellent benefits and a high level of service.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
For internationals living outside of the USA and traveling abroad, consider the WorldNomads plans, including trip cancellation coverage if needed.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
- Coverage for 200+ adventure activities
- Generous benefits for lost and stolen bags and gear
- 24/7 emergency assistance
麻豆传媒AV Plans for Students
麻豆传媒AV Student Plans are available to anyone studying in a foreign country, including their family. You may purchase a student policy on your own as an alternative to the plan your school offers since in some cases, these are more affordable yet more comprehensive. This option often makes more sense for older students, OPT Visa Holders, married students, or students with families.
StudentSecure Insurance
- Provides Medical, Dental, and Evacuation Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
Student Health Advantage
- Standard and Platinum level benefits available.
- Coverage for individuals and groups and their dependents.
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice.
Patriot Exchange Program
- Medical insurance for students studying abroad or participants of cultural exchange programs.
- Designed to meet the U.S. J1 and J2 visa travel insurance requirements.
- Insureds have access to the UnitedHealthcare Options network inside the U.S.
麻豆传媒AV Plans for Groups
For a group of 5 or more travelers, including corporate, non-profit, missionary, or other groups, we can design comprehensive plans at affordable rates to meet your specific needs. We work with various providers to help you review and compare multiple plans and find the one that best fits your organizational needs. Learn More about Group Travel Insurance Plans or Request a Group Quote.
Global Benefits for Organizations
- Offering group plans for international health, life and travel
- Request a quote from the leading insurers around the globe
- A licensed agent will provide quotes and expert advice
Additional Plan Options
Simple medical coverage or trip cancellation might not be enough for some travelers. If you enjoy extreme sports, are visiting a dangerous location, or want backpacking insurance, you might want to add some things to your policy. Check out these articles on more comprehensive travel insurance.
- Emergency Evacuation鈥 Assistance and transportation to the most appropriate hospital in an emergency situation
- Extreme Sports Coverage鈥 Coverage for participants in Adventure or Extreme Sports
- Visitors Insurance鈥 Cover for those visiting a friend or family member abroad
Related: 麻豆传媒AV Health Insurance 鈥 Long-term health benefits, also known as expatriate insurance, for international citizens living abroad for a year or more.
Travel Insurance and Cancellation Coverage
Imagine having saved up for your vacation and being ready to head off when disaster strikes and the airline you are flying goes bankrupt! Or investing thousands of dollars for your dream to travel overseas when you are suddenly laid off from your job! These and various calamities can happen, and we can never plan for all eventual outcomes. However, if you purchase a travel policy, you can protect your investment if you need to make changes and cancel your plans under any circumstances.
Trip Cancellation 鈥 Covers the cost of your trip with some additional benefits (emergency medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, trip delay, etc.)
We recommend two main plans for trip cancellation coverage. The Safe Travel Voyager plan is excellent for US citizens traveling abroad. The WorldNomads plan is our recommended plan for people who reside outside of the USA.
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
World Nomads Travel Insurance
- Coverage for 200+ adventure activities
- Generous benefits for lost and stolen bags and gear
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Is My US Health Insurance Valid 麻豆传媒AVly?
Most of the time, the answer to this question is 鈥渘o.鈥 While you may be able to get your US policy to reimburse you for medical expenses abroad, it may take a long time, and you鈥檒l have to pay out-of-pocket until then. Health insurance for travel abroad means that you don鈥檛 have to worry about whether you鈥檒l be covered if the worst happens.
We selected the following plans for a combination of great service and affordable pricing. There are less expensive options that do not offer the same level of service. The options below offer the best value.
Get Travel Medical Insurance for US Citizens Abroad
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Best Trip Insurance Plan for US Citizens
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
Questions to Ask When Buying Your Policy
As you have seen from the different types of travel protection plans outlined above, not all are the same in terms of coverage. Some are more comprehensive, and some benefits can be purchased as add-ons (or riders) to cover extreme sports or additional medical evacuation benefits. With these in mind, here are some considerations when purchasing a plan.
Coverage Requirements
- Do I need preauthorization before receiving treatment, hospital admission or other medical services?
- Do I need a second opinion before I can receive emergency treatment?
- What are company policies regarding coverage of care received 鈥渙ut of network鈥?
- Does the company provide policyholders access to a 24/7/365 physician-backed support center?
Potential Exclusions
- Does this policy include/exclude coverage for treatment of injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving, and mountain climbing)?
- Does this policy include/exclude coverage for psychiatric emergencies?
- Does this policy include/exclude coverage for treatment of injuries related to terrorist attacks, acts of war or natural disasters?
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- Does this policy cover exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions?
- Does this policy cover complications of pregnancy and/or neonatal intensive care?
Related: Travel Insurance Buying Tips
Why Would You Want Travel Insurance? Debunking Coverage Myths
People often think their health or homeowners policies, credit cards, and other means will fully cover them in case of travel emergencies. However, neither health, homeowners, nor most credit card insurance policies reimburse non-refundable travel payments if you need to cancel a trip because of illness. Likewise, domestic health policies may not cover medical evacuation, especially abroad, nor will other types of coverage help reimburse emergency expenses for accommodations and incidentals if your plans are interrupted or delayed because of a natural catastrophe. According to a survey conducted by the USTIA, no single source provides the full spectrum of coverage and services that comprehensive coverage will provide.
One in six Americans (17%) say their trip details and schedules have been impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters including severe weather, or mechanical or carrier-caused problems, according to another survey for USTIA. When unforeseen events 鈥 from medical emergencies to a lost passport to being caught in a storm 鈥 derail a trip, a good plan will provide financial coverage and medical services. Consider that a medical evacuation alone could cost up to $100,000 or more. Travel insurance companies also provide a support network to assist you, from coordinating emergency medical care to helping locate overnight accommodations, obtaining paperwork for lost or stolen passports, and more.
Some policies cover pre-existing conditions if the policy is purchased within a set amount of time 鈥 usually two weeks 鈥 following the initial trip payment. Since requirements may vary, UStiA suggests travelers check with their travel insurance company.
Most policies cover trip cancellation or interruption due to an unforeseen family illness or injury back home. Likewise, policies usually cover trip cancellation, interruption, or delay due to illness or injury of a traveling companion..
Refund policies vary among travel suppliers like airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises, and tours. Many low-cost airfares, for instance, are nonrefundable. Resorts, hotels, cruises, and tours have a non-refundable deposit and payment rules for reservations not canceled within a certain time. Without trip insurance, travelers risk losing all or part of their deposits and payments if they have to cancel for a covered reason. Some travel suppliers provide a waiver allowing travelers to rebook their trip within a given time frame. However, the right policies will refund unused non-refundable payments without requiring the traveler to rebook their vacation arrangements.
Policies typically cover far more than cancellation. It covers the entire trip from beginning to end, including interruptions or delays due to illness, injury, severe weather, and more. Travel medical insurance covers medical expenses for emergencies during the trip. It provides assistance services, such as locating legal aid, help in replacing lost or stolen documents, finding emergency hotel accommodations, and more.
Your Peace of Mind is Priceless
Securing coverage should be at the top of your travel checklist before going on your international trip. You don鈥檛 want that nagging worry while enjoying your dream vacation just because you haven鈥檛 made a contingency plan if you suddenly fall on bad luck.
麻豆传媒AV is the premier provider of international insurance plans. Don't be overwhelmed by our wide range of products, as we have licensed brokers who are always available to walk you through the process and help you find the policy that will fit all your needs.
Research, compare plans, and buy online before you go!
Our Recommended Individual 麻豆传媒AV Plans
Why Work with 麻豆传媒AV?
At 麻豆传媒AV, you鈥檒l get world-class service from your personal global insurance advisor, including the following:
- You Get Unbiased Advice 鈥 麻豆传媒AV has been giving expats and world travelers independent advice on international insurance for 10 years. We are one of the largest global insurance agencies in the world with over 20,000 clients.
- You Do Not Pay Anything for Our Service 鈥 We do not charge our clients a fee for our services; the insurance company reimburses us.
- You Have More Choices to Compare 鈥 Our goal is to help you get the right plan with the right coverage for your personal needs. Our advisors have the best information on the best plans available and are compensated so that their goals align with yours.
- You Will Receive Ongoing Support 鈥 Our services don鈥檛 stop once you have purchased your plan. Our commitment to you is long-term. You can reach out to us if you need more help over the term of your policy, including support for claims or renewal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance
麻豆传媒AV travel insurance typically covers a range of unexpected events and emergencies that may occur while traveling abroad. Here's a breakdown of common benefits:
- Medical Emergencies: If you fall ill or get injured during your trip, travel insurance can cover medical treatments, hospital stays, and emergency transportation, including airlifts, to a medical facility if needed.
- Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items you must purchase while waiting for your belongings.
- Emergency Evacuation: If you are in a remote location or experience a natural disaster, political unrest, or a medical emergency that requires evacuation, travel insurance can help cover transportation to a safe location or back home.
- Personal Liability: Some policies cover liability if you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage their property while traveling.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies, this coverage can help reimburse your non-refundable trip costs. Review our Trip Cancellation Insurance plans here.
Optional add-ons, like adventure sports coverage, may also be available depending on your needs.
麻豆传媒AV travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected events or emergencies that occur before or during your trip. Here's how it typically works:
- Purchase a Policy: Before your trip begins, you buy a travel insurance policy individually or as a group. The cost of the policy (called the premium) is based on factors such as your destination, trip duration, age, coverage options, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Coverage Period: The insurance is active for the specific dates of your trip. Coverage usually begins from the day you depart and lasts until your return. Some policies offer multi-trip or annual coverage for frequent travelers.
- Filing a Claim: If an unforeseen event happens, such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or flight delay, you can file a claim with the travel insurance company. You鈥檒l typically need to provide supporting documentation such as medical records, receipts, or proof of trip bookings.
- Claims Processing: After filing a claim, the insurance company will review the details to determine whether the event is covered under your policy. The review may involve confirming the event was unexpected and not pre-existing or excluded from the policy.
- Reimbursement or Direct Payment: If the claim is approved, the insurer will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses or pay service providers directly. Some policies offer direct billing to hospitals for medical emergencies, so you don鈥檛 have to pay upfront.
- Assistance Services: Many travel insurance providers also offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These include helping you find a nearby doctor, arranging medical evacuations, or assisting with emergency travel changes.
Travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection when unexpected problems arise during your trip.
The cost of a quality global travel insurance plan will vary based on several factors. As outlined above, policies that include trip cancellation will be more expensive. A good travel cancellation insurance plan will run you approximately 5% of your overall trip cost 鈥 more if you are older, less if you are younger.
Estimated costs of a travel health plan, including trip cancelation coverage for a 40-year-old traveling for 30 days (outside of the USA) with an entire trip worth $5,000:
- Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation: $337听($11 /day)*
- Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason coverage: $569听($19 /day)*
The costs above were calculated based on Trawick's Safe Travels Voyager plan (Available to U.S. Citizens Only)
There is also an option to buy coverage on a daily or monthly basis. Costs range from $1-5 per day or more, depending on your age, your trip details, and the overall benefits package you select. Plans with a lower medical limit and high deductible will cost less, and vice-versa.
*Rates were last updated on April 10, 2024.
The short answer is a big resounding yes. A 2018 survey conducted for the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) revealed that only 22% of Americans 鈥 or roughly one out of five 鈥 whose travels were impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters, and other events had a quality plan to cover their needs. Post Covid, that percentage has increased to 38% according to Business Insider. This is a huge gamble on your vacation investment if you go abroad without being prepared for any crisis. But one problem is that most people don鈥檛 have a sense of what good travel insurance is, or covers. We will address those questions below.
What are the two basic types of travel insurance?
The two main types of plans are trip cancellation and travel medical insurance.
Trip cancellation protects you if you need to cancel your trip while offering the additional benefits included in a travel medical plan detailed below. These policies usually cover the cost of the trip, with some additional benefits (lost luggage, trip delay, etc.). With trip cancellation, you can recoup most of the money that you spent on the trip, so long as the cancellation happens for 鈥渃overed reasons,鈥 which differ depending on the policy. These plans are short-term insurance solutions, usually available for a period of between 1 to 90 days.
Related: Cancel for Any Reason Plans
Travel medical insurance is designed to fill the gaps in your existing domestic health care plan that are not covered when you travel abroad. A short-term international medical policy gives you access to a global network of doctors, emergency assistance services, and translators who will help you in a medical emergency. Travel health insurance will cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies while traveling, along with the additional benefits like trip cancellation mentioned above. This type of coverage is usually available for between 5 days and one year and can be renewable for additional periods up to a maximum of 3 years.
It鈥檚 a really great idea to have travel health insurance. Even if your domestic plan provides some coverage while you are abroad, you may have to pay 鈥渙ut of pocket鈥 for your expenses until you get reimbursed by your current provider. Most health insurance for travel abroad pays or reimburses you directly and more efficiently.
One of the biggest hurdles when filing a claim is working with foreign hospitals and translating the documents related to your healthcare. 麻豆传媒AV travel insurance companies have expertise in working with these situations. They make international assistance call centers do the translation so that communication problems are resolved more quickly.
Related: Best Travel Insurance Companies
Here are other situations where it pays to have travel cancellation protection as well.
For instance, say you have saved up for a vacation and are all ready to head off to your destination when disaster strikes. Out of nowhere, a hurricane hits the coast you鈥檙e supposed to be sunning yourself on, the island loses power, and the hotel can鈥檛 receive guests. What will you do in this situation? How will you recover the money you spent on lodging?
Another situation goes like this. You have invested thousands in your planned overseas travel when someone in your family gets in an accident and can no longer go. How can you get your money back in this situation?
These are just some of the possibilities that can occur unexpectedly. There are a wide variety of calamities that can happen and you can never plan for all possible outcomes. But if you buy a travel policy, you can protect your investments, make changes to your trip, or cancel your plans for whatever valid reason it may be, and still get the insured amount like nothing happened.
Especially in today鈥檚 climate, with pandemics, natural disasters and other unexpected obstacles, your plans for international travel can change at any time. And if they don鈥檛 change, accidents can happen. It鈥檚 harder to get medical care when you鈥檙e far from home, and the costs can really add up 鈥 for you, and for your family.
With trip cancellation coverage you can recoup most of the money that you spent on the trip. And travel medical plans will cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies that occur while traveling. Our licensed advisors can also help you find the best medical care available where you鈥檙e going, connect you with doctors that speak your language, and arrange for transport home if things get really serious.
While plans can be purchased up to one day prior to departure, with certain travel insurance companies you should plan ahead farther than that! For example, some plans need you to purchase coverage at least two weeks prior to departure to ensure that your plan is active and will cover you for the duration of your travels. When working with one of our brokers and comparing travel insurance plans, make sure to check with them about the best time to buy.
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Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of 麻豆传媒AV. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on or .