Best travel insurance of 2026 — passport, map, and travel planning

Best Travel Insurance
of 2026

Your domestic health insurance doesn’t follow you overseas — and Medicare doesn’t either. A single emergency medical evacuation abroad can cost $50,000 or more out of pocket, and a canceled non-refundable trip can mean thousands of dollars lost with no recourse. This guide covers the 10 best travel insurance providers of 2026, what each plan actually covers, the key decisions that separate strong coverage from weak, and how to buy before your trip — not after something goes wrong.

10 Providers Reviewed ~50% of Americans Now Insure Major Trips $50K+ Average Evacuation Without Insurance Primary Sources Only

📋 Affiliate Disclosure

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you get a quote or purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Our rankings are based on independent research, coverage analysis, underwriting verification, and editorial criteria — never commission rates.

⚠️ Insurance Disclaimer

NME is not a licensed insurance producer, broker, or agent. The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice, a recommendation to purchase any specific policy, or a solicitation to buy insurance. Travel insurance plans are limited-benefit policies — coverage availability, terms, exclusions, premiums, and benefit limits vary by provider, plan, state of residence, and individual trip circumstances. Read the Certificate of Insurance and policy wording carefully before purchasing. Always verify plan details, eligibility, and state availability directly with the insurance provider or a licensed agent before buying coverage.

How NME ranks the best travel insurance providers: We evaluated travel insurance companies across five independent criteria — coverage breadth (trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical, evacuation, baggage, and travel delay in the base policy vs. requiring add-ons), underwriting strength (financial stability of the underwriting carrier, not the front-facing brand, verified through NAIC filings and independent rating agencies), claims speed and payment method (industry average vs. provider performance, including direct deposit, app-based filing, and automated claims), CFAR and pre-existing condition availability (whether Cancel For Any Reason and pre-existing condition waivers are available and on what purchase timeline), and use-case fit (which traveler types, trip costs, and destinations each provider serves best). A critical structural note: the “brand” you buy travel insurance from is often a marketing front for a separate underwriting carrier — the underwriter is who actually pays your claim, and evaluating underwriting strength separately from brand marketing is the most important step most travel insurance buyers skip.

10
Providers Reviewed
5
Evaluation Criteria
~50%
Americans Now Insure
0%
Commission Influence

⭐ NME Top Pick — Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services earns the top position for best travel insurance based on its three-tier structure (Essential, Advantage, Ultimate), the broadest single-provider upgrade menu in the market (nine optional upgrades on the Ultimate plan including CFAR, adventure activities, and pet bundle), and family pricing that includes one child per insured adult on the Ultimate plan at no additional cost. Plans are underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535), operating since 1996 as a subsidiary of Cover-More Group (now owned by Zurich Insurance Group). For families, comprehensive coverage buyers, and travelers who want the strongest single-trip package from a single provider, Travelex is the benchmark.

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Plans for 2026

Side-by-side look at coverage types, emergency medical limit, CFAR availability, and best use case across all ten reviewed providers.

Provider Coverage Types Emergency Medical Limit CFAR Available Best For
Travelex Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation · Baggage · Delay Up to $100K (Ultimate) Yes — 75%, within 21 days Families · Comprehensive buyers
Allianz Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation · Annual Plans $50K–$500K (varies by plan) No (standard plans) International · Annual/Frequent
Travel Guard (Zurich) Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation · Specialty Add-ons $50K–$500K (varies) Yes — varies by plan Last-minute · Add-on customization
Seven Corners Cancel · Interrupt · Medical (Primary) · Evacuation Up to $500K+ Yes — 75% International medical · Expats
Faye Cancel · Interrupt (150%) · Medical · Evacuation · App-based $250K Yes — 75%, within 14 days Digital-first · Instant claims
BHTP Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation · Fixed Benefits $50K–$100K (varies) Limited (LuxuryCare) Claims speed · Burst® payouts
World Nomads Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation · 250+ Activities Up to $100K Limited (varies by plan) Adventure sports · Backpackers
Trawick Cancel · Interrupt · Medical · Evacuation (9 plan tiers) Up to $150K (Voyager) Yes — 75% Budget value · Plan variety
IMG Cancel · Interrupt (150%) · Medical · Evacuation · Cruise Up to $500K (LX) Yes — 75% (LX) Cruise · Family · Specialty
Squaremouth Marketplace — all types available across 100+ plans Varies by plan selected Varies by plan selected Comparison shoppers · First-timers

Emergency Medical Limit reflects maximum coverage per insured traveler for accident and sickness medical expenses during the trip — separate from evacuation coverage (which typically runs $250K–$1M). CFAR = Cancel For Any Reason, an optional add-on reimbursing 50–75% of prepaid trip costs for any cancellation reason; purchase windows and reimbursement percentages vary by provider. Allianz standard plans do not include CFAR; AllTrips annual plans have different terms. BHTP’s CFAR is available on the LuxuryCare plan specifically. Primary medical coverage (Seven Corners) means claims are filed directly with the insurer without first exhausting domestic health insurance benefits. All provider coverage terms, limits, and availability vary by state, plan selected, and purchase date.

Best Travel Insurance Reviews: 10 Providers Evaluated

1🥇
Travelex Insurance Services COMPREHENSIVE
🏆 Best Overall Travel Insurance
★★★★★4.9/5.0

Travelex Insurance Services, founded in 1996 and now operating as a subsidiary of Cover-More Group under Zurich Insurance Group, offers three plan tiers — Essential, Advantage, and Ultimate — with the Ultimate plan supporting nine optional upgrades including Cancel For Any Reason (75% reimbursement), adventure activities, accidental death for air travel, and a pet bundle. The pre-existing condition waiver is available if the policy is purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit, and one child per insured adult travels at no additional cost under the Ultimate plan’s family pricing. Plans are underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535), a financial giant with 150+ years of operating history, and an A+ BBB rating applies to the Travelex brand. For families and travelers who want the strongest single-trip package from one provider — with the flexibility to add exactly what a specific trip requires — Travelex sets the standard.

Pros
  • Zurich underwriting (NAIC #16535) — deep institutional financial backing
  • Nine optional upgrades on Ultimate — broadest single-provider add-on menu
  • Kids-included pricing — one child per adult at no extra cost
  • 21-day CFAR purchase window — most buyer-friendly timeline reviewed
Cons
  • No annual / multi-trip plans — single-trip only
  • Essential plan has lower medical limits
Zurich UnderwritingCFAR 21-Day WindowKids-Included Pricing
2🥈
Allianz Travel Insurance ANNUAL PLANS
🏆 Best for International Travel & Annual Plans
★★★★★4.8/5.0

Allianz Travel Insurance, administered by AGA Service Company (CA License #0B01400), serves over 55 million travelers annually through a global assistance network spanning 34 offices on five continents and 400,000+ medical and non-medical providers worldwide — the largest U.S. travel insurance footprint by customer volume in this review. U.S. plans are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company or BCS Insurance Company depending on state, and the OneTrip Prime plan — the most popular — includes free coverage for children 17 and under when traveling with a parent or grandparent (excluding Pennsylvania residents). Allianz is one of the few major U.S. travel insurance providers offering annual multi-trip plans through its AllTrips lineup, making it the only practical option for travelers making multiple international trips per year who want coverage that resets automatically. For frequent international travelers who need annual coverage and the deepest global assistance network available from a single provider, Allianz is the benchmark choice.

Pros
  • Annual AllTrips multi-trip plans — unique among top-10 providers
  • 55M+ customers; 400,000+ provider network globally
  • Free child coverage on OneTrip Prime (non-PA)
  • Allyz® app with real-time flight tracking and SmartBenefits
Cons
  • No CFAR available on standard single-trip plans
  • Not available in all states and jurisdictions
Annual Multi-Trip PlansGlobal NetworkFree Child Coverage
3🥉
Travel Guard ZURICH
🏆 Best Add-On Customization & Last-Minute Coverage
★★★★★4.7/5.0

Travel Guard, acquired by Zurich Insurance Group from AIG in December 2024 and now operating under Zurich Cover-More, offers three single-trip plans (Essential, Preferred, Deluxe), one annual plan, and the unique Pack N’ GO plan for same-day coverage — providing accident-and-illness protection with 24/7 emergency assistance for travelers who didn’t purchase coverage before departure, a feature no other major U.S. provider matches. The Deluxe plan supports specialty add-on bundles including Pet, Wedding, Adventure Sports, and Inconvenience coverage (for closed attractions), with 24/7 multilingual support across 40+ languages from eight global service centers. Plans are underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., depending on the state and plan; buyers should confirm the underwriting carrier in their specific policy documents. For last-minute travelers, buyers with niche coverage needs (weddings, pets, adventure sports), and anyone who prioritizes phone-based human support in multiple languages, Travel Guard is the category leader.

Pros
  • Same-day Pack N’ GO plan — post-departure coverage available
  • Wedding, Pet, Adventure, Inconvenience add-on bundles
  • 24/7 support in 40+ languages; eight global service centers
  • Annual plan available for frequent travelers
Cons
  • Underwriting carrier varies by state — review policy documents
  • CFAR terms vary by plan tier — not universally available
Pack N’ GO Same-Day40+ Language SupportZurich Cover-More
4
Seven Corners INTERNATIONAL
🏆 Best International Medical & Primary Coverage
★★★★☆4.6/5.0

Seven Corners, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, has built its 30-year reputation on international travel insurance for expats, missionaries, study-abroad students, and independent international travelers who need primary medical coverage — meaning claims are filed directly with Seven Corners without first exhausting domestic health insurance benefits, a structural advantage over secondary-coverage plans that require coordination with domestic insurers before paying. Trip Protection plans cover 100% of trip cost for cancellation and interruption, emergency medical to $500K+, evacuation to $1M+, and the WellAbroad global assistance portal provides pre-trip destination alerts and access to contracted doctors and hospitals worldwide. Optional Cancel For Any Reason at 75% reimbursement and a 30-year heritage of serving high-risk international travelers make Seven Corners the specialized choice for anyone whose trip involves meaningful international medical exposure. For travelers prioritizing the highest medical coverage limits and a specialist with decades of experience managing complex international claims, Seven Corners is the field’s most credentialed option.

Pros
  • Primary medical coverage — no domestic insurance battle
  • $500K+ medical; $1M+ evacuation available
  • WellAbroad global assistance portal
  • 30+ years of international specialist experience
Cons
  • Less prominent for domestic U.S. trip coverage
  • Limited app experience vs. Faye or Allianz
Primary Medical$500K+ Medical LimitInternational Specialist
5
Faye APP-FIRST
🏆 Best Digital Experience & Fastest Claims
★★★★☆4.5/5.0

Faye, launched in the U.S. in 2022 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, is a digital-only travel insurance platform built around app-based claims — every claim is filed through the Faye app, the majority resolve within 48 hours, and payouts are delivered via the Faye Wallet (a digital prepaid card transferable to Venmo or Cash App) rather than mailed checks. A single customizable policy covers trip cancellation to 100% and interruption to 150% of trip cost — among the highest interruption limits available — with optional modules for CFAR (75% reimbursement within 14 days of initial deposit), rental car, adventure sports, pet care, and vacation rental damage. Real-time flight tracking with automated delay payments and 24/7 telemedicine are included at no additional cost. Available in all 50 states for travelers who want fast, frictionless claims without the call-center model of legacy travel insurance.

Pros
  • 48-hour average claims resolution — fastest in this review
  • 150% trip interruption — among the highest available
  • Faye Wallet — instant payout without waiting for a check
  • Automated delay payments via real-time flight tracking
Cons
  • CFAR window is 14 days — shorter than Travelex (21 days)
  • Founded 2022 — younger company with shorter claims track record
48-Hr Claims150% InterruptionFaye Wallet Payouts
6
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) FASTEST CLAIMS
🏆 Best Claims Speed & Fixed-Benefit Payouts
★★★★☆4.4/5.0

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, processes claims up to five times faster than the industry average through its “pic-and-a-click” filing system — receipt photos submitted via the app trigger BHTP Burst® payments, delivering funds via direct deposit within minutes of claim approval. The ExactCare plan family ranges from ExactCare Value (budget) to ExactCare (mid-tier, with two children 17 and under traveling free per insured adult) to ExactCare Extra, which adds fixed-benefit payouts for tarmac delays, missed connections, and flight delays that activate automatically when flight data is added to the policy before departure. Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip deposit. For travelers who prioritize getting paid fast after a covered event and value the certainty of fixed-benefit payouts for flight delays, BHTP delivers the strongest claims payment experience in this review.

Pros
  • 5x faster claims than industry average
  • BHTP Burst® — direct deposit minutes after approval
  • ExactCare: two children 17 and under travel free
  • ExactCare Extra: automatic delay payouts with flight tracking
Cons
  • CFAR limited to LuxuryCare plan — not on ExactCare family
  • Medical limits lower than Seven Corners or IMG at comparable pricing
Burst® Instant Pay5x Faster ClaimsAuto Delay Payouts
7
World Nomads ADVENTURE
🏆 Best for Adventure Travelers & Backpackers
★★★★☆4.3/5.0

World Nomads, a travel insurance brand with 20+ years of history, covers over 250 activities — rock climbing, scuba diving, paragliding, motorbiking, surfing, trekking at altitude — the broadest activity coverage list of any major U.S. travel insurance provider reviewed, and the category others measure against when describing adventure sports exclusions. U.S. plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, and a unique “buy while traveling” feature allows coverage purchase or extension even after departing the United States — invaluable for trips that extend unexpectedly or travelers who forgot to buy before departure. For adventure travelers, backpackers, digital nomads, and independent travelers whose itinerary involves activities that standard travel insurance excludes by default, World Nomads is the specialized choice with no close competitor.

Pros
  • 250+ covered activities — industry-leading adventure coverage
  • Buy or extend coverage while already traveling
  • 20+ year track record serving adventure travelers
Cons
  • Trip cancellation limited to $15K — lower ceiling than most competitors
  • Pre-existing conditions not covered on most plans
250+ ActivitiesBuy While TravelingAdventure Specialist
8
Trawick International BEST VALUE
🏆 Best Affordability & Plan Variety
★★★★☆4.2/5.0

Trawick International, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Fairhope, Alabama, offers nine distinct travel insurance plan tiers including Safe Travels Voyager, Armor, Defend, Protect, and AnyReason — the widest plan variety of any single provider in this review — at prices consistently below the market average for comparable coverage from larger competitors. Most plans are underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company; the Safe Travels Voyager plan offers CFAR at 75% reimbursement with a pre-existing condition waiver available within 21 days of initial deposit. Trawick also fills a market gap the major U.S. providers don’t address: Safe Travels USA plans for international visitors to the United States who need domestic medical coverage during their stay. For budget-conscious U.S. travelers who want nine plan options across a wide price range, international visitors to the U.S. seeking medical coverage, and frequent travelers utilizing the annual plan, Trawick delivers the strongest value in this review.

Pros
  • Nine distinct plan tiers — most variety in this review
  • Below-market pricing across all plan tiers
  • Safe Travels USA plans for non-U.S. residents
  • Annual plans available for frequent travelers
Cons
  • Smaller global assistance footprint than Allianz or Travel Guard
  • Plan complexity can overwhelm first-time buyers
9 Plan TiersBudget ValueVisitor USA Plans
9
International Medical Group (IMG) CRUISE + FAMILY
🏆 Best for Cruise Travelers & Family Specialty
★★★★☆4.1/5.0

International Medical Group, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Indianapolis, serves cruise travelers, expats, missionaries, students, and families through the iTravelInsured plan series — Choice (budget), SE (mid-tier, most popular), and LX (premium with the highest limits) — with the SE plan including 150% trip interruption, $250,000 emergency medical, $500,000 evacuation, rental car damage to $40,000, and a 60-day pre-existing condition lookback period that is more generous than most competitors’ 180-day standard. The LX plan adds optional Interruption for Any Reason coverage and raises benefit limits to $500,000 emergency medical, making it among the highest-limit comprehensive plans in this review; Teladoc telemedicine is included across all three plans. For cruise travelers specifically — coverage includes missed ship departure, port closure, ship-wide disruption, and itinerary changes — IMG’s iTravelInsured series provides the most thorough cruise-specific protection of any plan in this review. Available in all 50 states with an annual plan option for frequent travelers.

Pros
  • $500K emergency medical (LX) — among highest limits reviewed
  • 60-day pre-existing condition lookback — most generous reviewed
  • Cruise-specific coverage included (port closure, missed departure)
  • Teladoc telemedicine across all plans
Cons
  • Underwriting carrier varies by plan — verify before purchase
  • Digital experience less polished than Faye or Allianz
Cruise Specialist$500K Medical (LX)Teladoc Included
10
Squaremouth MARKETPLACE
🏆 Best Travel Insurance Marketplace & Comparison Tool
★★★★☆4.0/5.0

Squaremouth, founded in 2003, is the largest U.S. travel insurance marketplace with 4.5+ million travelers served, offering 100+ plans from 20+ providers in a unified side-by-side comparison interface with filters for trip cancellation limit, medical coverage amount, CFAR availability, hurricane coverage, and destination-specific risks. U.S. travel insurance pricing is regulated by law — buying through Squaremouth costs the same as buying direct from the provider — and the platform’s Zero Complaint Guarantee mediates claim disputes between travelers and providers, removing any provider whose Squaremouth rating drops below 4 stars. For first-time travel insurance buyers, comparison shoppers who want to evaluate the full market without visiting individual provider websites, and travelers who want independent advocacy built into their purchase channel, Squaremouth is the most efficient starting point in this review.

Pros
  • 100+ plans from 20+ providers — full market comparison
  • Zero Complaint Guarantee — removes providers rated below 4 stars
  • Same pricing as direct (regulated by law)
  • Expert phone support 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET daily
Cons
  • Claims handled by individual providers, not Squaremouth
  • Tin Leg house brand prominently featured in results
100+ PlansZero Complaint GuaranteeFree Comparison

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance

Six decisions that determine whether your travel insurance actually protects you when something goes wrong.

🧬

Brand vs. Underwriter — Who Actually Pays You

The travel insurance brand you buy from is often a marketing intermediary. The underwriting carrier — the company that actually pays your claim — is a separate entity whose financial stability determines whether your claim is paid in full, on time, and without dispute. Travelex’s underwriter is Zurich American Insurance Company. BHTP’s is Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. Faye’s and World Nomads’ is United States Fire Insurance Company. Before purchasing any plan, identify the underwriting carrier in the policy’s fine print and verify it independently. Never evaluate travel insurance solely by the marketing brand.

The 14-21 Day Window That Unlocks Everything

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), pre-existing condition waivers, and financial default coverage (protecting against supplier bankruptcy) are only available if you purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit — the exact window varies by provider. Travelex allows 21 days; BHTP requires 15 days; Faye requires 14 days. Wait even one day past the applicable window and you lose access to these benefits permanently for that trip, regardless of how much you pay or which provider you choose. Set a calendar reminder for the day you make your first trip payment.

🌍

International Travel Changes the Coverage Equation

Domestic U.S. health insurance and Medicare don’t cover medical treatment outside the United States in most circumstances. For international trips, emergency medical coverage is the most important component of any travel insurance plan — not trip cancellation. An emergency medical evacuation from a remote location or developing country can cost $50,000 to $300,000 out of pocket without insurance. International travelers should prioritize plans with $250,000+ emergency medical limits and $500,000+ medical evacuation limits — Seven Corners and IMG’s LX plan provide the strongest medical limits in this review.

🆓

Cancel For Any Reason — When It’s Worth Adding

CFAR is an optional add-on letting you cancel your trip for any reason and recover 50-75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs — including reasons that standard trip cancellation doesn’t cover (changed your mind, work conflict, uncertainty about destination conditions). It typically costs 40-60% more than the base policy premium and requires purchasing within 14-21 days of initial deposit with 100% of trip costs insured. The math: CFAR is worth adding for trips over $3,000 in non-refundable costs where the traveler’s plans are uncertain, or for any trip where a 50-75% recovery of a large prepaid investment would be meaningful. For a $500 weekend trip, CFAR’s premium cost usually exceeds its expected value.

🛒

Marketplace vs. Direct — Pricing Is Regulated

U.S. travel insurance premiums are regulated by state insurance departments — buying through Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip costs the same as buying directly from the provider. A marketplace’s value is the comparison capability: side-by-side filtering across 20-30 providers in one search, with the ability to sort by trip cancellation limit, medical limit, CFAR availability, or hurricane coverage. Independent buyer advocacy features like Squaremouth’s Zero Complaint Guarantee add another layer of protection. The optimal process: start comparison shopping on a marketplace, identify two or three finalist plans, then verify the plan details and underwriting carrier on the provider’s direct website before purchasing.

💳

Credit Card Coverage — Where It Ends

Premium travel credit cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) include some travel insurance benefits — typically trip cancellation up to $10,000, baggage delay up to $500, and rental car collision damage waiver. But credit card medical coverage is secondary (it pays after your primary health insurance, not before), limits are lower than dedicated travel insurance, and there is typically no medical evacuation coverage at all. For domestic trips under $5,000 with healthy travelers, credit card coverage may be sufficient. For any international trip, expensive trip, family trip, or trip involving health uncertainty, dedicated travel insurance from a reviewed provider in this guide provides materially better protection.


Also Worth Considering

Six additional travel insurance providers that didn’t place in the top 10 but are the right call for specific traveler types.

Travel Insured International
Travel Insured International, founded in 1994 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, offers the FlexiPAX plan — one of the most customizable travel insurance policies in the U.S. market, with optional CFAR, Interruption for Any Reason, and rental car coverage alongside strong medical and cancellation benefits. Family-friendly pricing allows up to nine children under 18 at no additional cost, the strongest child pricing in the market. Available direct and through Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, and other marketplaces.
Shop Travel Insured →
Tin Leg
Tin Leg is Squaremouth’s house brand, underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, offering nine comprehensive plan tiers from budget-conscious Economy to luxury-trip-appropriate Luxury. Available exclusively through Squaremouth’s marketplace, where it’s prominently featured. Strong claims handling through BHTP’s infrastructure; nine tiers give meaningful price range across trip cost and traveler profile. Best for buyers who find Tin Leg as the top result in a Squaremouth search and want to understand what they’re purchasing.
Shop Tin Leg →
SafetyWing
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is built specifically for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers — subscription-based monthly billing ($45.08/month for ages 18-39) with coverage in 185+ countries, travel medical coverage that continues across multiple destinations and country re-entries, and home country coverage (up to 30 days per year in the U.S.) included. No trip cost or cancellation coverage — purely travel medical. Best for long-term travelers who need portable ongoing medical coverage rather than a single-trip cancellation policy.
Shop SafetyWing →
Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance offers Standard, Preferred, and Premium travel insurance plans backed by Generali U.S. Branch — a subsidiary of Generali Group, one of the world’s largest insurance organizations. Strong family coverage, identity theft resolution services included, and pre-existing condition waivers on Preferred and Premium plans. A reliable mid-tier option for family travelers who want institutional financial backing from a global insurer without the price premium of Travelex or Allianz’s top plans.
Shop Generali →
InsureMyTrip
InsureMyTrip is the second-largest U.S. travel insurance marketplace after Squaremouth, founded in 2000 with an A+ BBB rating. Compares 30+ providers including Travelex, Travel Guard, Seven Corners, IMG, Allianz, and others in a unified interface at regulated pricing identical to buying direct. Strong customer service team for pre-purchase plan selection guidance and a useful complement or alternative to Squaremouth for buyers who want to see how results differ between the two leading marketplaces.
Shop InsureMyTrip →
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Nationwide offers Essential, Prime, and Luxury cruise insurance plans alongside single-trip and annual options, underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Cruise-specific coverage includes missed ship connection, prepaid excursion reimbursement, and shipboard service disruptions — a strong cruise-specialist alternative to IMG’s iTravelInsured SE for buyers who have an existing Nationwide relationship or prefer the brand recognition. Available through nationwide.com and travel insurance marketplaces.
Shop Nationwide →

Other Travel Insurance Options Worth Knowing

Eight specialty providers and niche options for specific traveler situations not covered by the top 10 or Tier 2.

  • USI Travel Insurance Services — Established 1994; Ruby and Diamond comprehensive plans for vacation, adventure, sports, business, and mission trips; strong reputation for high-coverage policies and customer service for group and specialty travel.
  • Aegis (formerly GoReady) — Founded 1977; three plan tiers (Go Ready Choice, Trip Cancellation, Pandemic Plus) for domestic and international trips; affordable economical coverage with broad applicability across traveler types and trip profiles.
  • Arch RoamRight — Underwritten by Arch Insurance Company; customizable plans for travelers of all ages and trip types with strong financial backing through Arch Capital Group; available through marketplaces and direct.
  • WorldTrips (Atlas Series) — High-medical-coverage plans popular among international travelers and digital nomads; Atlas Travel and Atlas America plans available through the Squaremouth marketplace; particularly strong for long-duration trips requiring high overseas medical limits.
  • VisitorsCoverage — Online comparison platform specializing in visitor and travel medical insurance for J-1 visa, F-1 visa, and international visitor-to-USA plans; integrated quote comparisons across multiple carriers; fills the non-resident inbound visitor market that most U.S. travel insurance providers don’t address.
  • HTH Travel Insurance — Specialist in group, expat, and student travel insurance with worldwide medical coverage, trip protection, and study-abroad-specific plans; strong reputation for serving group bookings, educational institutions, and long-term expatriate coverage.
  • TravelInsurance.com — Third major U.S. travel insurance marketplace after Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, operated by DigiVentures Holdings; compares plans across multiple providers including Seven Corners, Nationwide, Trawick, and others; A+ BBB rating; a useful additional comparison point when the other two marketplaces produce similar results.
  • Battleface — Modern travel insurance startup backed by Lloyd’s of London syndicates; customizable single-trip plans with strong digital UX, instant policy issuance, and coverage for destinations and activities that traditional U.S. travel insurers sometimes exclude; a growing option for tech-comfortable travelers wanting non-legacy carriers.

Best Travel Insurance Awards — NME 2026

Six editorial awards recognizing standout travel insurance performance in the categories that matter most to 2026 travelers.

🏅
NME Award
Best Overall — Zurich underwriting, 9 upgrades, kids-included pricing, 21-day CFAR window
Travelex
🌍
NME Award
Best International — 55M+ customers, 400K+ global network, annual multi-trip plans
Allianz
NME Award
Fastest Claims — 5x industry average speed, Burst® direct deposit in minutes
BHTP

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common travel insurance questions from NME’s editorial team.

What does travel insurance actually cover?
Standard comprehensive travel insurance covers six primary benefit categories: trip cancellation (reimburses prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel before departure for a covered reason — illness, family emergency, jury duty, job loss), trip interruption (reimburses unused trip costs plus return transportation if you cut a trip short for a covered reason), emergency medical (pays for medical treatment during travel, critical for international trips where domestic U.S. health insurance doesn’t apply), medical evacuation (pays to transport you to an appropriate medical facility — air ambulance can cost $50,000+ without coverage), baggage loss and delay (reimburses lost, stolen, or delayed luggage), and travel delay (reimburses meals and lodging for delays over 6-12 hours). Optional add-ons include Cancel For Any Reason, rental car damage, adventure sports, and pre-existing condition waivers. Standard exclusions across virtually all plans include: pre-existing conditions (without waiver), acts of war, self-harm, illegal activities, and foreseeable events known at the time of purchase.
Do I need travel insurance if I have a credit card with travel benefits?
Credit card travel benefits are a supplement to — not a replacement for — comprehensive travel insurance. Premium travel cards typically include trip cancellation up to $10,000, baggage delay up to $500, and rental car collision waiver. What they don’t cover: emergency medical treatment (credit card medical is secondary and typically low-limit), medical evacuation (which can cost $50,000+ without dedicated coverage), trip cancellation for reasons beyond the card’s narrow covered list, and Cancel For Any Reason benefits. For domestic trips under $3,000 with healthy travelers, credit card benefits may be adequate. For international trips, expensive non-refundable trips, or any trip involving health uncertainty, dedicated travel insurance from a reviewed provider provides materially stronger protection than credit card benefits alone.
What is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage and is it worth it?
CFAR is an optional add-on allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason — including reasons standard trip cancellation doesn’t cover — and recover 50-75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Most providers require purchase within 14-21 days of the initial trip deposit, that 100% of trip costs are insured, and that cancellation occurs at least 48-72 hours before departure. CFAR typically costs an additional 40-60% above the base policy premium. The math: CFAR is worth adding when your trip involves significant non-refundable costs ($3,000+), your plans are uncertain, or you’re traveling to a destination with evolving conditions that might lead to a voluntary cancellation outside covered reasons. For a $500 weekend trip, CFAR’s premium cost usually exceeds expected value. For a $10,000 international family vacation with uncertain plans, it is generally worth the upgrade cost.
When is the best time to buy travel insurance?
The best time to buy travel insurance is within 14-21 days of making your first trip payment — the earlier in this window, the better. Purchasing in this window unlocks the most valuable benefits: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), pre-existing condition waivers (which require purchase within this window plus medical fitness at time of purchase), and financial default coverage (protecting against supplier bankruptcy). After the window closes, you can still purchase travel insurance up to the day before departure, but standard plans excluding these benefits are all that’s available. The specific window varies by provider — Travelex allows 21 days, BHTP requires 15 days, Faye requires 14 days. When in doubt, buy earlier rather than later.
Is Travel Guard still AIG in 2026?
No. Zurich Insurance Group completed the acquisition of Travel Guard from AIG on December 2, 2024, for $600 million. Travel Guard now operates under Zurich Cover-More — the same Zurich-owned global travel insurance group that owns Travelex through Cover-More Group. The Travel Guard brand, website (travelguard.com), and policy structures remain consistent, but the corporate ownership and ultimate financial parent are now Zurich, not AIG. Plans are underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., depending on the state and plan — verify your specific policy documents for the underwriting carrier.
How does NME evaluate the best travel insurance providers?
NME ranks travel insurance providers on five criteria: coverage breadth (what’s included in the base policy vs. requiring add-ons), underwriting strength (the financial stability of the underwriting carrier verified through NAIC filings and independent sources), claims speed and payment method (turnaround time and direct deposit/app availability), CFAR and pre-existing condition availability (whether these options exist and on what purchase timeline), and use-case fit (which traveler types and trip profiles each provider serves best). Primary sources include direct carrier and provider websites, NAIC underwriter filings, and plan documents. NME is not a licensed insurance agent — this page is for informational purposes only. Commission rates have no influence on rankings.

Sources & Citations

  1. Travelex Insurance Services — Plan documentation and underwriting disclosures (Zurich American Insurance Company, NAIC #16535). travelexinsurance.com
  2. Allianz Travel Insurance — Plan specifications and underwriter disclosures (Jefferson Insurance Company, BCS Insurance Company). allianztravelinsurance.com
  3. Travel Guard / Zurich Cover-More — Zurich acquisition of Travel Guard from AIG completed December 2, 2024; plan documentation. travelguard.com
  4. Seven Corners — Trip Protection plan documentation and primary medical coverage specifications. sevencorners.com
  5. Faye — Whole-trip travel insurance specifications, Faye Wallet, and 48-hour resolution claim. withfaye.com
  6. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection — ExactCare family plan documentation and BHTP Burst® claims specification. bhtp.com
  7. World Nomads — 250+ covered activities and buy-while-traveling feature documentation. worldnomads.com
  8. Trawick International — Safe Travels plan lineup and pricing documentation. trawickinternational.com
  9. International Medical Group (IMG) — iTravelInsured plan series documentation. imglobal.com
  10. Squaremouth — Marketplace provider listings, Zero Complaint Guarantee, and 4.5M+ customer claim. squaremouth.com

The Perfect Travel Gift

Travel insurance must be purchased by the named insured — it can’t be gifted directly. But a flexible travel gift card lets the recipient cover insurance, flights, hotels, or excursions on their own terms.

GiftCards.com — Flexible Gifts for Every Traveler

A travel-themed gift card lets the recipient choose how to use it — toward trip insurance premiums, airline tickets, hotel stays, or excursions. Digital delivery, custom designs, and a personal message included. Perfect for graduations, retirements, going-away parties, or anyone planning a big trip.

Browse travel gift cards
Giftcards.com

Find the Best Travel Insurance for Your Trip

Buy within 14-21 days of your first trip payment to unlock CFAR and pre-existing condition coverage. For the strongest comprehensive single-trip plan, start with Travelex. For international and annual coverage, compare Allianz. To see the full market in one search, use Squaremouth.

NME
NME Editorial Team
Norton Media Enterprise — Insurance & Travel Coverage
The NME Editorial Team evaluates travel insurance providers using independent primary-source data including direct carrier and provider plan documentation, NAIC underwriter filings, and verified plan comparisons. NME is not a licensed insurance agent — this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Rankings are not influenced by commission rates or advertiser relationships. Learn more at nortonmediaenterprise.com/methodology.
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