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’s 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’ve done a lot of the legwork for you, so you can have one less thing to worry about as you plan your adventure abroad.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
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 — or roughly one out of five — 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’t have a sense of what good travel insurance is, or covers. We will address those questions below.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a blanket term for coverage that protects either your health, your travel expenses, your belongings, your 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’t included in your domestic health plan.
Pro Tip: Visit our Plan Picker to find the best plan for your situation.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance companies can cover many different types of unexpected difficulties, from losing your luggage to breaking your leg while skiing. However, most travel insurance plans do one of two things.
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 “covered reasons,” 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.
How Does Travel Insurance Work?
With both types of policies, you can receive a quote, apply, and purchase online. Costs will vary depending on your age, the cost of your trip, the total amount of coverage you select, and any deductible you choose. Once you are confirmed with the coverage, you will receive your plan documents with instructions on how to use the policy if the need arises.
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for International Travel?
Especially in today’s climate, with pandemics, natural disasters and other unexpected obstacles, your plans for international travel can change at any time. And if they don’t change, accidents can happen. It’s harder to get medical care when you’re far from home, and the costs can really add up — 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’re going, connect you with doctors that speak your language, and arrange for transport home if things get really serious.
How Many Days Before a Trip Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
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.
Travel Coverage Options
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.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Cancellation?
Imagine having saved up for your vacation and you're all 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 - 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
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason available
- Up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage
World Nomads Travel Insurance
- Coverage for 200+ adventure activities
- Generous benefits for lost and stolen bags and gear
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Recommended International Travel Medical Policies
Travel Medical Insurance - Covers emergency medical expenses as well as other risks for visits of less than a year, whether you’re a US citizen traveling overseas or visiting the US from abroad. Additional benefits include trip interruption, medical evacuation, repatriation, and more.
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
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- COVID-19 coverage up to policy maximum if you're visiting the U.S.
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
International 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. Seven Corners is also affordable for US citizens and provides comprehensive protection.
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Coverage for COVID and pre-existing conditions
- 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
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason available
- Up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage
Additional Plan Options
For some travelers, simple medical coverage or trip cancellation might not be enough. 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 - Assistance and transportation to the most appropriate hospital in an emergency situation
- Extreme Sports Coverage - Coverage for participants in Adventure or Extreme Sports
- Visitors Insurance - Cover for those visiting a friend or family member abroad
Related: International Health Insurance - Long-term health benefits, also known as expatriate insurance, for international citizens living abroad for a year or more
Do You Need Travel Insurance for International Trips?
It’s 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 “out of pocket” 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. International 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’re supposed to be sunning yourself on, the island loses power, and the hotel can’t 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.
How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?
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 — more if you are older, less if you are younger.
Estimated costs of a travel health plan for a 40-year-old traveling for 30 days (outside of the USA) with an entire trip worth $5,000:
- Including Trip Cancellation: $250
- Excluding Trip Cancellation: $60
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.
Is My US Health Insurance Valid Internationally?
Most of the time, the answer to this question is “no.” 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’ll have to pay out-of-pocket until then. Health insurance for travel abroad means that you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll 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
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason available
- Up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage
International Medical Travel Insurance for Non-US Citizens Traveling Abroad
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
International Plans for Students
International 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, Evacuation and other Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
Plans with COVID-19 Coverage (Coronavirus Cover)
We are happy to introduce the Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 (Coronavirus) the same as any other illness up to age 64. This plan protects you if you contract COVID-19 while on an international trip.
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
Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance
- Comprehensive medical coverage with benefits up to $5,000,000.
- COVID-19 coverage that extends up to your medical maximum.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation protection up to $500,000.
International Plans for Groups
For a group of 5 or more travelers of a corporate group, non-profit group, missionary group, or other organization, we can design comprehensive plans at affordable rates to meet your specific needs. We work with a variety of providers to help you review and compare multiple plans, and find the one that best fits your organizational needs. Learn More about International Group Insurance Plans or Request a Group Quote.
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 “out of network”?
- 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?
Preexisting Medical Conditions
- Does this policy cover exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions?
- Does this policy cover complications of pregnancy and/or neonatal intensive care?
Source: CDC
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 — from medical emergencies to a lost passport to being caught in a storm — 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 — usually two weeks — 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.
To help dispel misconceptions about the need for travel protection, here are some common myths explained.
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’t want that nagging worry while enjoying your dream vacation just because you haven’t made a contingency plan if you suddenly fall on bad luck.
International Citizens Insurance 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 International Plans
Author: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. 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 LinkedIn or Twitter.