Compare Travel Insurance: The Best Plans for 2025
Looking to compare travel insurance plans? This guide breaks down some of the best options for 2025. Whether you’re looking for budget plans, a comprehensive travel insurance policy, or coverage for adventurous activities, we’ve identified the top choices. Let’s help you find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Every product mentioned has been researched and personally tested. Thank you for supporting this blog! Read more about our policy here.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to provide financial protection against a variety of unforeseen events that can occur while traveling. Travel insurance plans cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions, with specific types of coverage such as protection during trips abroad and exclusions related to pre-existing conditions and specific activities. Additionally, travel insurance can assist with travel-related issues such as lost or stolen luggage. Whether purchased as a standalone policy or as part of a comprehensive travel package, travel insurance ensures that travelers are covered for a range of potential mishaps, offering peace of mind during their journeys.
Types of Travel Insurance
There are several types of travel insurance policies available, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different travelers. Here are some common types:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: This policy offers broad coverage for a wide range of travel-related risks, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel delays. It’s ideal for those seeking extensive protection.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: This policy provides coverage for trip cancellations due to unforeseen events such as illness, injury, or natural disasters. It ensures that travelers can recover their non-refundable trip costs.
- Travel Medical Insurance: This policy covers medical expenses incurred while traveling, including emergency medical evacuations. It’s crucial for international travelers who may not be covered by their regular health insurance abroad.
- Rental Car Damage Insurance: This policy covers costs incurred due to damage to rental vehicles during trips, providing peace of mind for travelers who plan to rent cars.
Overview of Top Travel Insurance Plans
Travel insurance can be complex, but we’ve identified the top plans for different needs.
- Most Affordable Comprehensive Coverage — Travelex Insurance Services
- Most Flexible Daily Coverage — Freely Travel Insurance
- Most Customizable Single Plan — Faye Travel Insurance
- Best Travel Insurance Marketplace — VisitorsCoverage
When selecting a travel insurance plan, it’s crucial to consider your personal trip details, such as destination and duration, to ensure you choose the most suitable coverage.
Most Affordable Comprehensive Coverage — Travelex Insurance Services
Learn More: Travelex Insurance Services
Highlights:
- Six different policy types: Essential, Advantage, Ultimate, Travel Med Go, Flight Insure, and Flight Insure Plus.
- Underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway (A++ rated) and Zurich Insurance Group (A+ rated).
- Core coverages could include trip cancellation (up to $50,000), medical coverage (up to $250,000), and baggage protection.
- 24/7 emergency assistance included with all plans.
- Add-on options available: Cancel For Any Reason, rental car insurance, additional medical coverage, adventure sports coverage, and flight accidental death coverage.
- Claims can be filed online, by phone, or email.
Pros:
- More affordable than competitors (sample trip cost $135–198 compared to industry range of $10–202).
- Flexible plan options for different traveler needs.
- Strong financial backing from highly-rated insurance companies.
- Easy online purchase process.
- Customizable coverage through add-ons.
Cons:
- Coverage limits on the Essential plan are lower than some competitors.
- Not all plans include “kids-included pricing”.
- Excludes coverage for known storms, foreseeable events, dangerous activities, and acts of war.
- Some add-ons are limited to specific plans.
- May duplicate coverage already provided by travel credit cards.
Summary:
Travelex is a solid, budget-friendly travel insurance option with 25+ years of experience. While it may not offer the highest coverage limits on the Essential plan, it provides good value for travelers seeking basic protection at competitive rates. The variety of plans and add-on options allows for customization based on specific travel needs, though careful comparison with credit card benefits and other insurers is recommended before purchasing.
Most Flexible Daily Coverage — Freely Travel Insurance
Learn More: Freely Travel Insurance
Highlights:
- Base plan plus customizable daily add-ons (“Daily Boosts”).
- Emergency medical coverage: $500,000.
- Emergency evacuation coverage: $1,000,000.
- Emergency dental: $1,000.
- Trip interruption: 150% of trip cost.
- Baggage coverage: $2,500 ($500 per item limit).
- Accidental death: $50,000.
- Available only to US and Australia residents.
- App-based service with safety alerts and COVID updates.
- 24/7 emergency assistance within the app.
Pros:
- Highly affordable base plan (e.g., $140 for a month in Rome, Italy).
- Innovative daily add-on system for activities and gear.
- High emergency medical and evacuation coverage limits.
- Real-time safety alerts through app.
- Can upgrade gear coverage to $1,500 per item.
- Flexible policy management through app.
- Transparent about non-covered items.
Cons:
- Only available in US and Australia.
- App required for most services.
- Primarily need to use the mobile app to manage your policy.
- Standard exclusions for alcohol/drug incidents and pre-existing conditions.
- No professional sports coverage.
Summary:
Freely offers a modern, app-based approach to travel insurance with an affordable base plan and innovative “Daily Boost” add-ons. It’s particularly well-suited for budget travelers, backpackers, and adventure tourists who want to pay only for the coverage they need when they need it. While the app-dependent structure may not appeal to everyone, the combination of high medical coverage limits, flexible daily add-ons, and real-time safety features makes it a strong contender in the travel insurance market, especially for tech-savvy travelers.
Most Customizable Single Plan — Faye Travel Insurance
Learn More: Faye Travel Insurance
Highlights:
- Single base plan for domestic and international trips with customizable add-ons.
- Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.
- Base coverage includes trip cancellation (up to 100%), trip interruption (up to 150%), medical emergency coverage (up to $250,000 — international trips), emergency evacuation (up to $500,000) and more.
- Unique coverage features include lost credit card protection and trip inconvenience compensation.
- Claims process is fully digital and emphasizes quick reimbursements.
- Pre-existing medical condition can be covered under base plan.
Pros:
- Highly customizable single plan structure.
- Comprehensive base coverage.
- Unique benefits not commonly found (lost credit card protection, trip inconvenience).
- Pet coverage available as an add-on (rare in the industry).
- Quick reimbursement focus.
Cons:
- Only one base plan available.
- Add-ons can start to add up from a cost perspective.
- Standard exclusions for named storms, war, illegal acts.
- Some adventure activities require additional coverage with Extreme Sports add-on.
Summary:
Faye offers a modern approach to travel insurance with a single, comprehensive base plan for both international and domestic trips that can be extensively customized through add-ons. While the base plan is competitively priced and includes unique benefits, the cost can increase with additional coverage options. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want to tailor their coverage precisely or need specific benefits like pet protection. The focus on quick reimbursements sets it apart from traditional insurers.
The page Todd Lincoln, MBA partnered with Faye. Certain clicks on the links may result in a fee at no additional cost to you.
Best Travel Insurance Marketplace — VisitorsCoverage
Learn More: VisitorsCoverage
Highlights:
- Insurance marketplace/broker platform founded in 2006.
- Partners with 32 different insurance companies.
- Offers comprehensive comparison tools.
- Claims Assistance Hub for expedited processing.
- Policy types include standard travel insurance, group coverage, business coverage.
- Special coverage options for Europe/Schengen visas.
- Average cost: 4–8% of trip cost ($100-$200 for international trips).
- Rating: 4.4/5 (Insider’s Rating).
Pros:
- Zero Complaint Guarantee.
- Streamlined comparison platform.
- Wide variety of partner companies and policies.
- Comprehensive policy information presentation.
- Strong online customer reviews (4.7 Trustpilot, 4.5 Google).
- Specialized coverage options (students, immigrants, pre-existing conditions).
- Claims Assistance Hub for support.
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle claims directly.
- Customer service can be difficult to reach.
Summary:
VisitorsCoverage serves as a comprehensive travel insurance marketplace rather than a direct insurer. Its strength lies in simplifying the insurance shopping process by providing clear policy comparisons and specialized coverage options. While it excels at policy presentation and variety, the platform’s main drawbacks include the inability to handle claims directly and a sometimes-troublesome process to reach customer service. It’s particularly valuable for travelers with unique needs (students, immigrants, groups) who want to compare multiple options in one place.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies based on several factors, including the type of policy, the length and cost of the trip, the age and health of the traveler, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere from 5% to 10% of the insured trip cost. However, the specific coverage and benefits offered can influence the price, making some policies more expensive or less expensive. It’s important to compare different options to find a policy that offers the necessary protection at a reasonable price.
Key Considerations When Choosing Travel Insurance with Trip Cancellation Coverage
Selecting the right travel insurance requires considering key factors to ensure optimal travel insurance coverage. Policies typically cover incidents like trip cancellation, medical expenses, lost luggage, and travel delays. Understanding each policy’s coverage and exclusions is essential. Trip cancellation coverage is particularly important as it provides peace of mind for travelers by reimbursing nonrefundable expenses if they are forced to cancel their trips due to specific covered reasons.
Emergency evacuation and medical evacuation coverage are vital, especially for travelers in remote or high-risk areas, sometimes covering up to $250,000. Adventure sports policies offer unique benefits for high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving, often excluded from standard policies.
Travel insurance cost varies based on trip duration, destination, and traveler age, especially affecting older individuals. Typically, trip insurance costs range from 5% to 10% of your trip costs’ non-refundable expenses, so factor this into your budget.
Buying travel insurance soon after booking may provide valuable benefits like pre-existing condition waivers, enhancing policy effectiveness. It is wise to purchase travel insurance for added protection.
Consider existing coverage from credit cards or health insurance, as these might reduce the need for additional policies. By understanding these elements, you can make a well-informed decision and choose the travel insurance that best aligns with your requirements.
How to Evaluate Your Travel Insurance Needs
Evaluating your travel insurance needs ensures adequate coverage. Assess personal travel frequency and the financial implications of potential trip cancellations or interruptions. Frequent travelers may find annual policies cost-effective, while occasional travelers might benefit from single-trip coverage.
Determine coverage needs based on trip financial risks. Expensive, international, or non-refundable trips may need comprehensive coverage for cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies. Budget-friendly options might suffice for domestic or low-cost trips.
Review specific policy inclusions and exclusions to ensure it meets your needs. Adventure enthusiasts should seek policies covering high-risk activities, while business travelers might prioritize coverage for trip delays and missed connections. Understanding these factors helps choose the right plan.
Lastly, compare prices and coverage from multiple providers to find the best value. Use comparison sites and read customer feedback to gain insights into insurers’ reputations and claims process efficiency. This thorough evaluation ensures you select a policy that offers the necessary protection at an affordable price.
How to Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can be purchased from a variety of sources, making it accessible for all types of travelers. Here are some common ways to purchase travel insurance:
- Travel Insurance Companies: Many travel insurance companies offer a range of policies that can be purchased directly from their websites or through a licensed insurance agent. These companies specialize in travel insurance and provide various options to suit different needs.
- Travel Agencies: Many travel agencies offer travel insurance as part of their travel packages. This can be a convenient option for travelers booking their trips through an agency.
- Online Travel Insurance Marketplaces: Online marketplaces such as VisitorsCoverage allow travelers to compare and purchase travel insurance policies from multiple providers. This makes it easy to find and select the best policy for your needs.
- Credit Card Companies: Many credit card companies include travel insurance as a perk for their cardholders. It’s advisable to check with your credit card provider to determine if this benefit is available to you.
Upgrades and Add-ons
Many travel insurance policies offer upgrades and add-ons that can provide additional coverage and benefits. Here are some common options:
- Additional Coverage for Planned Activities: This upgrade provides coverage for activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, ensuring that adventurous travelers are protected.
- Increased Coverage Limits: This upgrade offers higher coverage limits for medical expenses, trip cancellations, or other benefits, providing extra peace of mind.
- Waivers for Certain Activities: This upgrade provides waivers for activities that are normally excluded from coverage, such as extreme sports, making it ideal for thrill-seekers.
- Search and Rescue Coverage: This upgrade covers search and rescue operations in the event of an emergency, ensuring that travelers can be located and assisted quickly.
- Security Evacuation Coverage: This upgrade provides coverage for emergency evacuations due to security reasons, offering protection in unstable or dangerous situations.
- Pet Care Coverage: This upgrade covers pet care expenses in the event of an emergency, ensuring that your furry friends are also taken care of.
- Equipment Coverage: This upgrade provides coverage for equipment such as laptops, cameras, or sporting equipment, protecting valuable items during your travels.
By considering these upgrades and add-ons, travelers can tailor their travel insurance policies to better suit their specific needs and ensure comprehensive protection.
Tips for Comparing Travel Insurance Plans
Comparing travel insurance plans can be simplified by following a few tips. Comparison sites let travelers assess multiple options side by side, providing detailed information on policy inclusions, exclusions, and pricing for informed decision-making.
Reading customer feedback is valuable. Reviews and ratings offer insights into insurers’ reputations, claims process efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction, crucial for choosing a reliable travel insurance company.
Understanding specific policy inclusions and exclusions ensures it meets your needs. Some policies may exclude high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions, so review details carefully. CFAR coverage allows trip cancellations for reasons not typically covered, adding flexibility.
Comparing quotes from various providers helps identify the best price for the required coverage. Following these tips allows you to confidently compare plans and choose the one offering the best value and protection for your travels.
Summary
In summary, choosing the right travel insurance plan is essential for ensuring a safe and hassle-free travel experience. From comprehensive coverage options like the Travel Med Go Plan to budget-friendly single trip policies and specialized adventure sports policies, there’s a plan to suit every traveler’s needs. Frequent travelers can benefit from annual/multi-trip policies, while understanding key considerations and evaluating personal travel needs are crucial steps in making an informed decision.
Remember, investing in travel insurance is not just about covering potential financial losses; it’s about peace of mind and protection during your adventures. As you plan your next trip, consider the tips and insights provided in this blog post to choose the best travel insurance plan for 2025. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best travel insurance company to deal with?
The best travel insurance company to deal with is often determined by personal needs and specific coverage options. However, widely recommended providers include Allianz, World Nomads, and Travel Guard for their reliability and customer service.
Is Allianz travel insurance trustworthy?
Allianz travel insurance is trustworthy, backed by Allianz SE, a leading global insurance company known for its reliability in claims processing. Additionally, they offer competitive coverage options, including a higher percentage for CFAR claims in their Prime and Premier plans.
What is a good rate for travel insurance?
A good rate for travel insurance typically ranges from 5% to 10% of your total trip cost, with averages around 6.87%. It is advisable to consider factors like age and desired coverage when determining the exact rate.
What is the best overall travel insurance plan for 2025?
Travelex Insurance Services is considered the best overall travel insurance provider for 2025. Their comprehensive coverage options and positive ratings make them a reliable choice for travelers.
Which travel insurance plan is ideal for last-minute trips?
Faye Travel Insurance is ideal for travelers who need coverage for last-minute trips due to its flexible policies and prompt assistance. Consider this option to ensure your travel plans are protected.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with qualified professionals before making financial decisions.
