The Best International Travel Insurance of July 2023 - 21 minutes read





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If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected events such as lost luggage or medical emergencies can drain your bank account. Travel insurance steps in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance Allianz Travel Insurance: Best overallWorld Nomads: Best for adventure travelTravel Insured: Best for trip interruption coverageTravelex: Best for familiesSeven Corners: Best for long-term travelGeoBlue: Best for emergency medical coverageJohn Hancock: Best for seniorsBerkshire Hathaway: Best for cruises

Next Step: Compare rates on more than 100 travel insurance policies in minutes.

Whether you're a thrill seeker going on an adventure vacation, or a professional on a business trip, our guide will help you find the perfect travel insurance plan to fit your needs.

We've researched and compiled eight of the best travel insurance companies for international travel. Below you'll find coverage details, pricing, and unique features.

Compare the Best International Travel Insurance







Allianz Travel Insurance



4/5



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Allianz Travel Insurance



4/5



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Allianz Travel Insurance







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Editor's Rating


4/5







Pros & Cons

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Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies





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Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip





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Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under





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Concierge included with some plans





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Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies




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Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities




Highlights

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Single and multi-trip plans available
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans






Additional Reading

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World Nomads Travel Insurance



3.83/5



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World Nomads Travel Insurance



3.83/5



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World Nomads Travel Insurance





On World Nomads's website






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Editor's Rating


3.83/5







Pros & Cons

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Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing





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Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option





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You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started





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If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)




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Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70




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No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option




Highlights

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Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
2 plans: Standard and Explorer
Trip protection for up to $10,000
Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)






Additional Reading

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C&F Travel Insured



3.33/5



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C&F Travel Insured



3.33/5



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compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance












C&F Travel Insured







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A




Editor's Rating


3.33/5







Pros & Cons

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Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option





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Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)





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Frequent traveler reward included in both policies





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Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available





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Medical coverage is only $100,000




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Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues




Highlights

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C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.






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Travelex Travel Insurance



4.33/5



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Travelex Travel Insurance



4.33/5



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Travelex Travel Insurance







Details





Editor's Rating


4.33/5







Pros & Cons

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Options to cover sports equipment





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Option to increase medical coverage





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Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased





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Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers





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Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage





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Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities





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Only two insurance plans to choose from




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CFAR coverage only reimburses up to 50% of total trip costs




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Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person




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Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings




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Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage




Highlights

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Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000
Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000






Additional Reading

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Seven Corners Travel Insurance



4/5



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Seven Corners Travel Insurance



4/5



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compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance












Seven Corners Travel Insurance







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Editor's Rating


4/5







Pros & Cons

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Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.





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Available in all 50 states





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Prices are higher than many competitors




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Reviews around claims processing are mixed




Highlights

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Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available






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GeoBlue



3.5/5



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AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A-



















GeoBlue



3.5/5



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AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A-












compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance












GeoBlue







Details







AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A-




Editor's Rating


3.5/5







Pros & Cons

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A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield





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Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross





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Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection





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Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied




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Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance




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Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms





Additional Reading

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John Hancock Travel Insurance



3.5/5



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JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



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John Hancock Travel Insurance



3.5/5



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JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



Not rated







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John Hancock Travel Insurance







Details






JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



Not rated







AM Best Financial Strength Rating



Not rated




Editor's Rating


3.5/5







Pros & Cons

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Offers 3 travel insurance plans





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Cancel for any reason rider available





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Affordable travel insurance premiums





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Reviews of claims process are mixed




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Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items




Highlights

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Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000






Additional Reading

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Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection



4.33/5



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JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



874







AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A++



















Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection



4.33/5



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JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



874







AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A++












compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance












Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection







Details






JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating



874







AM Best Financial Strength Rating



A++




Editor's Rating


4.33/5







Pros & Cons

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Offers up to 100% trip cancellation refund for eligible travel





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Plans are customizable with relevant add-ons





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Good customer service and easy sign up according to traveler reviews





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More affordable plans offer low caps on medical and emergency coverage




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Premiums are on the expensive side relative to comparable competitor plans




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Claims may take longer during peak travel seasons




Highlights

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This provider underwrites travel insurance policies for a number of other companies in addition to offering its own plans
Travelers can file claims directly from a smartphone by using the BHTP app






Additional Reading

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Best International Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions 




Travel insurance needs vary depending on your individual circumstance. Choosing an international policy calls for careful consideration of your budget and travel plans. Popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 









International health insurance and travel insurance serve different purposes. While both may cover medical expenses, international health insurance provides long-term health insurance for working abroad. Meanwhile, travel insurance offers short-term coverage for the duration of your trip. 




International Travel Insurance Company Reviews

Allianz Travel Insurance

Whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler, Allianz Travel Insurance offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR), adventure sport, and business travel coverage. 

The icing on the cake is the highly-rated mobile app, which has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 1,800 reviews on Google Play and a 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 13,000 reviews on the Apple Store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

Read our Allianz travel insurance review.

World Nomads

As an adventure traveler, things can go awry at any moment. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review.

Travel Insured

You shouldn't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. That's why trip interruption coverage is a must-have for any traveler. Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our Travel Insured review.

Travelex

If you're planning a family trip, Travelex offers coverage for your whole crew. Its family plan insures all your children under 17 at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex insurance review.

Seven Corners

If you're embarking on a long-term trip, you may need specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review.

John Hancock

As a senior, finding travel insurance that provides enough coverage can be challenging. Fortunately, John Hancock's travel insurance offers specialized plans that cater to your unique needs. With primary emergency accident and emergency sickness expense coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage, seniors can rely on their coverage to get the medical help they need. 

The company also offers a pre-existing condition waiver, which is especially essential for seniors with age-related conditions that need coverage. John Hancock also provides a 24-hour multilingual hotline for emergency assistance, ensuring seniors are never stranded in an emergency.

Read our John Hancock travel insurance review.

Berkshire Hathaway 

Planning a cruise getaway? Berkshire Hathway's WaveCare is designed to offer protection while you're at sea. This policy provides the standard travel insurance coverage, including trip interruption, flight delays or missed connections, and lost luggage. 

You'll also receive cruise-specific coverage for things like if your cruise company goes bankrupt while you're on the trip, your ship experiences mechanical failures, your cruise line diverts from its scheduled course, or cancellation of pre-paid excursions. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway is on standby with 24-hour emergency travel assistance if you lose vital travel documents, like your passports, while on a cruise. 

Read our Berkshire Hathaway travel insurance review.

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company for You

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Assess the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.)Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure they can pay out claims reliably. Investigate the company's claims process to ensure they can provide support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

Obtain quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it.  How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best international travel insurance companies based on several key factors, including: 

Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and policy customizability. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

 

 

 











Alani Asis

Personal Finance Reviews Fellow












Evelyn He

Compliance Associate




Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Insider readers already know and love.
The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Before joining Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries.   
Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 4-year-old Bichon named Tibber.


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Comments



johnmic629 commented on The Best International Travel Insurance of July 2023 11 days ago

I really enjoyed reading your articles. It looks like you've spent a lot of time and effort on your blog.The Warriors Vest