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Missed Port & Connection Protection

Emergency Medical & Dental Care at Sea

Baggage Loss, Theft & Delay Protection Our Partner GET QUOTES COVID-19 coverage is available and/or may be included as an add-on “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) availability

Includes trip cancellation, baggage delay/loss, and flight delays

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Coverage for International Trips

Cruises, Family Travel, Seniors

24/7 Emergency Assistance Our Partner GET QUOTES ✈️ Quote & Compare Best Travel Insurance Same Price as Purchasing Directly from the Providers

Trip Cancellation, Medical & Cancel for Any Reason Policies

Cruise Insurance, Group Travel & Annual Policies Our Partner GET QUOTES Pre-Existing Conditions and Cancel For Any Reason Coverage Available Some plan(s) cover children under the age of 17 at no additional cost

28 Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption

Up to $1MM for emergency medical evacuation

Customizable standard & comprehensive coverages Our Partner GET QUOTES Domestic, international, and adventure travel plans Domestic, international, and adventure travel plans Trusted by 400,000+ Travelers Travel Insurance for International & Domestic Trips

Trip Cancellations, Medical Emergencies & Baggage Loss

Affordable Premiums & High Coverage Limits

What to know about travel insurance

Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost luggage, missed flights, trip cancellations and emergency medical expenses.

Purchase travel insurance right after booking the trip to ensure the best coverage.

Our top picks include Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance and TravelInsured.com

How we chose our top picks

To select our top picks, our team vetted 15 companies after conducting 1,000+ hours of research based on 15+ data points. We read the fine print on travel insurance plans and compared coverage options and prices to determine which insurers offer coverage that could meet the needs of specific groups.

Read the full methodology to learn more.

Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Insurance

Best for Add-Ons: AIG Travel Guard Our Partner View Rates

Pros Lodging expense benefit

Trip saver and exchange specialized coverage included

A child 17 and under is covered per insured

Covers trips to Cuba if the traveler provides additional documentation Cons High cost of premiums

Most add-ons are not available for the basic plan

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers of all ages Coverage add-ons CFAR, waiver for pre-existing conditions and extra medical coverage AM Best rating A

Why we chose it: We chose AIG Travel Guard as the best travel insurance for add-ons because it offers travelers a wide variety of coverage options to customize their plans.

AIG Travel Guard offers unique services such as MedEvac and Bag Trak® as well as coverage options few (if any) other insurers offer: a pet bundle, a wedding bundle (for canceled weddings) and an inconvenience bundle in the event any attractions you wanted to visit are closed.

Another of AIG’s specialized insurance products is lodging expense coverage. This benefit is for travelers who test positive for COVID-19 and must remain abroad until they present a negative test result. There’s also a Pack N’ GO Plan for last-minute trips which includes post-departure coverage and 24-hour emergency travel assistance.

Best for Business Travel: Allianz Travel Our Partner View Rates

Pros Epidemic coverage endorsement

Allianz TravelSmart App

Annual plan geared to business travelers

24-hour multilingual assistance hotline Cons Low medical coverage

No “cancel for any reason” benefit

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers of all ages Coverage add-ons Rental car collision/loss AM Best rating A+

Why we chose it: Allianz Travel is our choice for the best travel insurance for business trips because its annual plan offers comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and transportation, rental car damage and theft, and business equipment protection.

Allianz offers 10 distinct travel insurance plans, ranging from basic cancellation coverage to comprehensive multi-trip protection. All plans include a 24-hour multilingual assistance hotline and the TravelSmart App, which gives quick access to travel advisories, local medical facilities, mobile claims filing and more.

Another one of Allianz’s highlights is its lack of age restrictions (most other insurers limit coverage by age). Some of its plans also cover kids 17 and under traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Best for Emergency Support Services: Generali Global Assistance Our Partner View Rates

Pros Offers 24-hour emergency assistance services

Up to $1K upfront payment for acute medical treatment

Car rental damage add-on available Cons Pre-existing condition coverage only available in the Premium plan

High premium costs

“Cancel for any reason” only available for the Premium plan

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers of all ages Coverage add-ons Rental car damage and CFAR coverage AM Best rating A+

Why we chose it: Generali Global Assistance is our choice for the best travel insurance for emergency support services because all of its policies include 24-hour Travel Support for problems that might arise during a trip — from medical emergencies to identity theft.

Travelers can choose between three plans — Standard, Preferred and Premium — that cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, and baggage damage, loss or theft. Each plan also covers medical and dental emergencies up to specific payout limits (from $50,000 to $250,000 per person).

Both its Preferred and Premium plans include trip cancellation benefits or trip interruption in case a travel supplier — say, a cruise company, hotel or rental car company — becomes insolvent and can no longer offer its services.

Best for Long-Term International Travel Insurance: HTH Travel Insurance View Rates

Pros Travel medical insurance for groups of five or more

International expatriate comprehensive coverage

Passport app to find doctors, pharmacies, and translations of drug names

Pet medical expense coverage Cons 12-hour wait for bag delay coverage (24 hours under the economy plan)

“Cancel for any reason” option is only offered in the Preferred plan

Eligibility for the multi-trip plan requires primary health insurance

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers up to 95 years of age Coverage add-ons CFAR and International Expatriate Travel coverage AM Best rating A (Nationwide)

Why we chose it: HTH Travel Insurance is our choice for the best travel insurance for long-term international travel because it offers specialty coverage for expats and students. Its Xplorer Plan features no deductible for office visits, no waiting periods for preventive care services, and no waiting period for pre-existing conditions with proof of prior coverage.

HTH Travel Insurance also offers international health insurance for students with flexible trip duration options. This plan has unlimited annual and lifetime medical care maximums, includes supplies and prescriptions and covers medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Other global health and safety services available through HTH Travel Insurance include 24/7 call assistance, access to elite international doctors and hospitals, and translated medical terms.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance: Nationwide View Rates

Pros Offers a pre-existing condition waiver

24-hour assistance

Multi-trip plans Cons Must wait 12 hours before bag delay coverage

“Cancel for any reason” only available for the Premium plan

Few options for additional coverage.

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers uo to 81 years of age Coverage add-ons Rental car collision/loss, accidental death & dismemberment AM Best rating A

Why we chose it: We picked Nationwide as the best travel insurance for cruises because it offers three cruise insurance plans (Universal, Choice and Luxury) that fit different budgets and needs.

Nationwide’s emergency medical coverage starts at $75,000, and all three plan tiers include “cancel for work reasons” coverage, a $500 return-home-early benefit, $200 in coverage for shipboard service disruption, and $25,000 for non-medical evacuations.

Nationwide also has two single-trip plans: Essential and Prime. In addition to industry-standard trip protection basics, these plans offer above-average medical coverage starting at $75,000 and a “cancel for any reason” add-on that reimburses 75% of non-refundable trip costs.

Best for Large Groups: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Our Partner View Rates

Pros Coverage from five up to 364 days

Allows coverage extensions

Website includes sample scenarios to illustrate how the coverage works Cons Hazardous activities not included in coverage (add-on only)

Different plan options for WA, NY, PA, and MO residents

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers 14 days of age to 100 years old Coverage add-ons CFAR, Interruption for Any Reason, Event Ticket Registration Fee AM Best rating A (United States Fire Insurance Company)

Why we chose it: We chose Seven Corners as the best travel insurance for large groups because it insures parties of 10 or more travelers through comprehensive policies that cover medical expenses and evacuations.

Seven Corners’ simple and budget-friendly Trip Protection Choice plan covers trip cancellation, interruption or delays for specific reasons, including COVID-19 for groups of 10 or more. Its emergency medical protection goes up to $500,000 and offers up to $1,000,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

In addition to its group trip travel insurance plans, Seven Corners has three travel medical plan tiers with comprehensive medical coverage for emergency room visits, hospital room and board, and onset of pre-existing medical conditions. These plans include 24/7 multilingual customer service.

Best for Families with Children: Travelex Our Partner View Rates

Pros Flight insurance plans available

Pre-existing conditions waiver

Several upgrades available Cons Upgrades not available for the Basic plan

Customer service has limited operating hours

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers of all ages Coverage add-ons Pre-existing conditions waiver, adventure sports, accidental death and dismemberment, CFAR, car rental collision, additional medical coverage AM Best rating A++ (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance), A+ (Zurich Insurance Group)

Why we chose it: Travelex is our choice as the best travel insurance for families with children because it offers two plans that cover family members under 17 at no additional cost.

Travelex Insurance Service features two main plans for international trips, Travel Basic and Travel Select — plus a Travel America plan for trips in the USA. Both plans include children 17 and under at no additional cost.

The Travel Basic is an affordable plan perfect for students, backpackers, small groups or those on a budget. These plans cover trip cancellation and interruption at 100% of the trip cost and offer up to $2,000 for trip delays or missed connections.

Best for Adventure Sports Coverage: World Nomads View Rates

Pros Emergency medical $100,000 (accident and sickness)

Buy more while traveling

24/7 emergency support (Generali Global Assistance) Cons Does not cover pre-existing conditions

No “cancel for any reason” option offered

Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage low compared to other providers ($2.5K-$10K)

HIGHLIGHTS Age restrictions Insures travelers under 70 years of age Coverage add-ons None AM Best rating A (Nationwide)

Why we chose it: World Nomads is the best travel insurance for travelers who enjoy adventure sports because it covers over 150+ sports and adventure activities, unlike most companies.

Its Standard and Explorer plans cover scuba diving, skiing, surfing and 150+ other sports and activities. Both plans include accident and illness coverage and 24/7 emergency support as well as emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, accidental death and lost luggage or theft.

While most companies don’t let you purchase or extend coverage during the trip, World Nomads offers a rare alternative; individuals who didn’t purchase coverage before their trip can enroll in the company’s “Buy While Traveling” plan. Those who already purchased a policy can also extend their coverage to keep exploring.

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Missed Port & Connection Protection

Emergency Medical & Dental Care at Sea

Baggage Loss, Theft & Delay Protection Digital Travel Insurance View Rates COVID-19 coverage is available and/or may be included as an add-on “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) availability

Includes trip cancellation, baggage delay/loss, and flight delays

Emergency medical expenses coverage are included in the coverage Travel concierge services with premium plans View Rates Get an Instant Quote from AIG Travel Guard Domestic, Road Trips & Weekend Travel Coverage

Coverage for International Trips

Cruises, Family Travel, Seniors

24/7 Emergency Assistance Largest selection of policies with Covid-19 coverage View Rates ✈️ Quote & Compare Best Travel Insurance Same Price as Purchasing Directly from the Providers

Trip Cancellation, Medical & Cancel for Any Reason Policies

Cruise Insurance, Group Travel & Annual Policies Pre-Existing Conditions coverage available View Rates Pre-Existing Conditions and Cancel For Any Reason Coverage Available Some plan(s) cover children under the age of 17 at no additional cost

28 Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption

Up to $1MM for emergency medical evacuation

Customizable standard & comprehensive coverages

Other travel insurance companies we considered

In this section, we feature popular companies that didn’t make our top picks. The table below highlights the highest coverage available for each type of benefit. Check out the full reviews to learn more about each provider:

TravelInsurance.com

Why it didn’t make the cut: TravelInsurance.com is a travel insurance comparison platform, not a direct insurer. That said, it’s a great tool for users who want to compare plans from top travel insurance providers quickly and easily. Users can input their trip details and receive personalized quotes based on the travelers’ ages and the duration and cost of the trip. The results page presents multiple policies in a simple table for easy comparison, displaying essential coverage information, reviews, ratings and a link to each provider’s COVID-19 policy FAQs.

Tin Leg

Why it didn’t make the cut: Tin Leg has no coverage for rental car damage, limited customer service hours and limited baggage and personal effects coverage, even with the premium plan. On the plus side, some policies cover financial default and employment layoff, and the company also offers a rider to cover sports activities and equipment as well as a rider to cover cancellations for medical and work reasons.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why it didn’t make the cut: Berkshire Hathaway didn’t make our list of the best providers because its medical expense maximums are lower than those of competitors. Additionally, the basic plan does not include missed connection or accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Berkshire Hathaway stands out from competitors in one respect: its AirCare plan offers unique flight protection that monitors your flights and processes reimbursements automatically, so you don’t even need to file a claim.

Travel Insurance Guide

Travel insurance reimburses you if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip early. It can also pay for stolen or lost baggage and medical expenses if you get sick or injured during the trip.

Read on to learn how travel insurance works and tips on how to select the right type of coverage.

What does travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance covers common travel issues and mishaps, from accidents to baggage delays.

The following are standard coverage options and add-ons.

Trip cancellation insurance refunds up to 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you cancel an upcoming trip for covered reasons.

refunds up to 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you cancel an upcoming trip for covered reasons. Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you may incur to get back home. Covered events include natural disasters and medical emergencies. Insurers typically cap reimbursement at 150% of the cost of the trip.

reimburses you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you may incur to get back home. Covered events include natural disasters and medical emergencies. Insurers typically cap reimbursement at 150% of the cost of the trip. Travel delay coverage reimburses you (up to the policy’s coverage limits) for extra expenses such as meals or lodgings during a flight delay. It may also cover airport delays and any flight change fees necessary to catch up on your travel plans.

reimburses you (up to the policy’s coverage limits) for extra expenses such as meals or lodgings during a flight delay. It may also cover airport delays and any flight change fees necessary to catch up on your travel plans. Emergency travel medical insurance reimburses you for medical expenses incurred during your trip under certain circumstances. Coverage amounts for medical expenses can range from $15,000 to $50,000. Coverage may apply even if you’re pregnant while traveling.

reimburses you for medical expenses incurred during your trip under certain circumstances. Coverage amounts for medical expenses can range from $15,000 to $50,000. Coverage may apply even if you’re pregnant while traveling. Emergency medical evacuation coverage reimburses you if you need to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or to a facility in your country of origin. Maximum benefits usually range between $100,000 and $500,000 but can be as high as $1 million.

reimburses you if you need to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or to a facility in your country of origin. Maximum benefits usually range between $100,000 and $500,000 but can be as high as $1 million. Baggage and personal effects coverage refunds you the cost of replacement items if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip, typically up to $2,500. You must wait a predetermined number of hours before filing a claim and submit purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may be subject to a deductible.

refunds you the cost of replacement items if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip, typically up to $2,500. You must wait a predetermined number of hours before filing a claim and submit purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may be subject to a deductible. Worldwide assistance offers 24/7 customer service should you need assistance while traveling. This includes multilingual medical hotlines that can provide medical advice and refer you to local healthcare services.

Popular travel insurance add-ons

Here we explain a variety of add-ons or riders that allow you to increase benefit limits and cover activities that may be excluded from standard policies.

Cancel for any reason coverage CFAR coverage allows you to cancel your travel plans for any reason and get reimbursed for 50% to 75% of pre-paid, non-refundable expenses. Pre-existing medical condition waiver Adds coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Travelers must select this option within a certain number of days after making their initial trip deposit. Rental car insurance Covers theft of or damages to a rental car due to causes beyond your control (think collisions, vandalism and weather events). Adventure sports coverage Covers injuries or losses caused by participating in adventure sports such as skydiving or bungee jumping. Identity theft protection Helps you notify creditors, cancel your cards, and get a replacement for your lost passport, credit card or other important documents.

What does travel insurance not cover?

The most common exclusions in a travel insurance policy are:

Pre-existing medical conditions

Injuries that happen while you’re intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, even if the intoxicating substance is legal to use at the destination

“Foreseeable events” such as epidemics and pandemics that are officially declared by federal or international health agencies. (Insurance claims related to COVID-19 illness may be covered)

Missed flights, where the traveler is at fault

Injuries caused by extreme sports

Theft/loss of personal items such as electronic devices and jewelry

Pregnancy-related conditions

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance can range from 4% to 12% of the total cost of your trip and depend on:

Your age

Your travel destination

The length of your trip

The types of travel insurance benefits and policy limits you select

Total trip cost 6% of trip cost (estimated travel insurance cost) $1,000 $60 $1,500 $90 $2,600 $156 $3,200 $192 $5,000 $300

* Insurance for a $2,200 trip for a family of four ranged from $90 to over $300, based on 6% of trip costs.

How much travel insurance do I need?

Before buying travel insurance, consider what losses you would incur if you were forced to cancel the trip because of an unexpected setback or medical emergency.

Non-refundable travel expenses: These include flight tickets, lodging reservations, pet care accommodations, travel activities like guided tours, and transportation expenses booked in advance.

These include flight tickets, lodging reservations, pet care accommodations, travel activities like guided tours, and transportation expenses booked in advance. Potential medical emergencies: Travelers may need medical care abroad due to injuries, endemic illnesses and other health emergencies. Some travel insurers recommend a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips and $100,000 for cruises and trips to remote locations.

Travelers may need medical care abroad due to injuries, endemic illnesses and other health emergencies. Some travel insurers recommend a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips and $100,000 for cruises and trips to remote locations. Additional coverage needs: Travelers who engage in adventure sports may need a rider to ensure medical coverage if they get injured. These sports are usually excluded from trip insurance policies.

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance could be worth it in specific situations. Before buying a policy, consider the following scenarios.

You may want travel insurance if: You may not need travel insurance if: You’ve pre-paid for high-cost, non-refundable expenses like tours, concerts or sporting events. You’re traveling domestically and have alternate coverage (car insurance, medical insurance that covers you across state lines, and a credit card that offers travel benefits). You’re traveling internationally and need coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation. You can get reimbursed for trip expenses, especially costly ones. You’re visiting an area where weather is unpredictable or there is political unrest. You’re going on a short and relatively low-risk trip. You plan to participate in high-risk activities such as skiing or scuba diving. You can afford to cover emergency expenses out of pocket.

How to get travel insurance

You can buy travel insurance after booking a flight. However, it’s advisable not to delay obtaining a policy. The longer you wait between your initial trip payment and purchasing trip insurance, the greater the chance you’ll miss out on valuable add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR upgrades.

The best time to purchase travel insurance coverage is right after you’ve booked your trip’s costliest non-refundable expenses, such as flight tickets and lodging.

1. Define your travel insurance needs

Consider your reasons for traveling, including who’s going with you and your planned activities. Also, note how long you’ll be away. You may need an annual travel insurance plan for long trips, which can narrow down your choice of providers.

Business travel insurance is suitable for frequent travelers who need coverage for items like work laptops and phones. Vacationers who booked a cruise may need a specialized policy such as Nationwide’s cruise insurance plans, and students in overseas programs may want to look into a plan like Trawick International Insurance.

2. Review the policy limits

Each travel insurance benefit has a specific payout limit, which may or may not be enough for your particular situation. For example, individuals traveling with expensive personal belongings such as sports equipment, cameras or jewelry may want a higher payout limit for personal effects or riders for high-value items.

3. Check the policy’s fine print

Before finalizing any document, make sure the trip insurance policy you’re interested in covers the activities you have planned, especially if there are recreational sports involved.

Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should also confirm whether those are covered under their policy. If not, they may need to look for a different provider or purchase supplemental medical coverage.

Take a moment to check if emergency assistance services are available 24/7 and what kind of assistance you can expect should you have a medical emergency or your belongings be stolen.

4. Compare travel insurance quotes

We recommend getting insurance quotes through comparison sites and marketplaces such as InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth Travel Insurance. Even if you’re traveling on a tight budget, you can still find cheap travel insurance that will cover the essentials, such as medical expenses and personal effects.

Consider the following when comparing quotes:

Affordability

Maximum payout limits for baggage loss or theft

Available add-ons such as “Cancel for Any Reason”

Policy terms regarding pre-existing medical conditions

Minimum wait time before you can file a claim for baggage loss and trip delays

Maximum payout limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Credit card travel insurance

Many credit cards offer flight insurance and travel protection for lodging and luggage if you use the card to pay for these trip expenses. That being said, if you compare credit card travel coverage with travel insurance, you’ll see that most credit cards lack medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.

Read our guide to the best travel credit cards for more information on how your credit card can help you travel smarter.

Methodology

As part of our methodology, we obtained travel insurance quotes from the online comparison site Travelinsurance.com using the following profile:

Family of four traveling from New York City to London

$2,200 on flight tickets for all four travelers

We then reviewed the available plans and looked at the following factors to evaluate and compare each company:

Plans and coverage: We looked for insurers with a variety of plans and the ability to customize the policy with unique add-ons, such as coverage for extreme sports and lost gear or equipment.

We looked for insurers with a variety of plans and the ability to customize the policy with unique add-ons, such as coverage for extreme sports and lost gear or equipment. Reputation : To gauge each company’s reputation, we evaluated factors such as customer feedback and ratings, years in business and financial stability as evidenced by AM Best financial strength ratings.

: To gauge each company’s reputation, we evaluated factors such as customer feedback and ratings, years in business and financial stability as evidenced by AM Best financial strength ratings. Customer service and support: We rated companies higher for having a 24/7 hotline, a global emergency network, mobile apps, multiple customer support options, and perks like concierge and translation services.

We rated companies higher for having a 24/7 hotline, a global emergency network, mobile apps, multiple customer support options, and perks like concierge and translation services. Ease of use: We considered how easily you could get a quote and understand the policy information. Most of our top picks offer just a few plans to keep things simple or provide a comparison page where you can quickly spot the differences in each plan.

Latest News in Travel Insurance

After three years of equitable exchange rates, U.S. dollar is weaker than the euro, making European tourism roughly 15% more expensive for Americans. But travel experts say you can still enjoy a summer trip to Europe without breaking the bank.

InsureMyTrip reports that more people are requesting travel insurance quotes on its platform this year. Compared to the same time period in 2024, the travel insurance comparison website saw a 32% increase in request for quotes. According to the company, travelers are particularly concerned about unpredictable airline schedules and protecting non-refundable expenses.

Despite this increase in travel insurance requests, the travel industry is experiencing an overall slump in demand, CNBC reports. Concerned about economic uncertainty light of recent events (mass government layoffs, Canadians boycotting U.S. travel and the impending impact of tariffs), consumers are cutting back on unnecessary expenses and holding off on their travel plans.

Travel Insurance FAQ Do I need travel insurance? chevron-down chevron-up Travel insurance can provide invaluable peace of mind, especially for international trips with non-refundable expenses. It acts as a financial safety net for unforeseen events, covering flight expenses, medical bills and reservation costs if you get sick or need to cancel or interrupt your trip. However, if your credit card offers travel insurance, additional coverage may be unnecessary. How does travel insurance work? chevron-down chevron-up Travel insurance reimburses covered expenses or losses before or during your trip, including medical emergencies and prepaid costs like airfare and accommodations. To get reimbursed for a covered loss, file a claim with evidence. The insurer will review and reimburse if the claim is valid; you can appeal if it’s denied. When is it too late to buy travel insurance? chevron-down chevron-up Once you depart, you can’t buy travel insurance. Coverage may be available up to 24 hours before departure, but specifics vary by provider. Last-minute policies cover basics like trip interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, and baggage loss, but exclude benefits like “cancel for any reason,” “trip interruption for any reason,” and pre-existing condition waivers. What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance? chevron-down chevron-up Illnesses or injuries diagnosed 60 to 180 days before purchasing a policy are considered pre-existing conditions. Definitions vary by provider, so clarify with your insurer, even if you have a waiver, to avoid claim denial due to misunderstandings.

Summary of Money’s 9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2025

On this page:

This page is for Australians preparing to travel overseas. If you’re already travelling and need help, see our information on what to do when things go wrong.

Carefully consider the risks of international travel before you book. Ensure you understand the local risks and requirements before you make a final decision.

Taking care of your health

Infectious diseases can spread quickly onboard cruises. You’re more at risk of exposure than in other settings due to the large number of passengers living and socialising in close quarters over a long period.

You could fall seriously ill if you’re exposed to an infectious disease, and the cost of your medical care could exceed your travel budget. If you need medical help on a cruise, you may need to pay your medical bills immediately. In serious cases, you may need to pay for medical evacuation from your ship. It’s important to ensure you have access to emergency funds if needed. The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

When you’re planning for your cruise, think about the following:

Health checks and vaccinations. Before you go, get a health check and any vaccinations your doctor recommends. It reduces your risk of getting infected or developing severe disease.

Before you go, get a health check and any vaccinations your doctor recommends. It reduces your risk of getting infected or developing severe disease. Pre-existing conditions. You’re more likely to need medical assistance overseas if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Talk to your doctor about your cruise plans before you commit.

You’re more likely to need medical assistance overseas if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Talk to your doctor about your cruise plans before you commit. Medications . If you take medication, pack enough to see you through any potential delays. Learn more about travelling with medications.

. If you take medication, pack enough to see you through any potential delays. Learn more about travelling with medications. Personal hygiene. Infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza and gastroenteritis are common on cruise ships. Practice good personal hygiene while you’re away. Learn more about preventing infectious diseases. Pack masks and hand sanitiser.

If you get sick

If you fall ill while on a cruise, you’ll usually be treated in the medical facilities on board. If it’s too serious to treat on board, they may transfer you to a hospital at the next port or medically evacuate you while in transit.

Standards on board may not be as good as in Australia. This may include quality of care or access to medication devices and medicines. Talk to your cruise operator about facilities and costs on board.

Cruise-specific travel insurance

Insurance policies don’t always cover cruises. Make sure you choose a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising and any activities you do on shore. Some cruise ships won’t even allow you to board without cruise-specific insurance.

There are some things you should consider before choosing your insurance:

Your onshore destination. Make sure you’re covered. Check the advice level. If it’s level 3 or 4, your policy may exclude that destination.

Make sure you’re covered. Check the advice level. If it’s level 3 or 4, your policy may exclude that destination. Australian waters . If your cruise isn’t leaving Australian waters, you still need travel insurance for your health. You may be unable to claim Medicare or private health insurance on the ship. Check before you go if your ship has a Medicare-accessible doctor on board.

. If your cruise isn’t leaving Australian waters, you still need travel insurance for your health. You may be unable to claim Medicare or private health insurance on the ship. Check before you go if your ship has a Medicare-accessible doctor on board. Your planned activities. Your insurance needs to cover your onshore activities and shore excursions. Adventure activities may not have the same safety standards as Australia.

Your insurance needs to cover your onshore activities and shore excursions. Adventure activities may not have the same safety standards as Australia. Medical evacuations. Make sure you’re covered for medical evacuation at sea. The cost of medically evacuating a patient from a cruise ship by helicopter can be in the $100,000s.

No matter how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. The Australian Government won’t pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Learn how to choose the right cover for cruises. Read the travel insurance buyers guide and CHOICE advice on which travel insurers cover cruises.

Passports and visas

Before you go, organise your passport and any visas you’ll need.

Pack your passport. If you’re entering a foreign country’s waters, you may be asked to show it, even if you don’t plan to disembark in the country. Learn more about passports.

If you’re entering a foreign country’s waters, you may be asked to show it, even if you don’t plan to disembark in the country. Learn more about passports. Get your visas for all destinations. Check visa requirements with your cruise operator or holiday provider well before your planned departure. Learn more about visas.

Severe weather and tsunami risks

Most cruise lines will have processes in place for severe weather.

It can cause rough seas and impact your itinerary. They may reroute the ship if the weather event is too dangerous to navigate safely. Follow the instructions of the ship’s crew and put your safety first.

Check the weather. Know what to expect. Especially if you’re travelling somewhere that experiences cyclones.

Know what to do in a crisis. This includes severe weather and tsunamis.

Staying safe on board

Treat your personal safety and security on a cruise ship the way you would in any other travel destination.

Reduce the risk of theft. It only takes one thief to ruin your trip by stealing your things when you’re not looking. Lock your cabin door, use the safe for valuables and stay alert on board. See more about theft and robbery.

It only takes one thief to ruin your trip by stealing your things when you’re not looking. Lock your cabin door, use the safe for valuables and stay alert on board. See more about theft and robbery. Party safely. Many cruise liners are famous for their bars, nightclubs and cocktails by the pool. Take the same precautions as you would onshore. Don’t swim while drunk. Don’t do drugs. Know your limits, watch for spiking and take care of others. See more about partying safely.

Many cruise liners are famous for their bars, nightclubs and cocktails by the pool. Take the same precautions as you would onshore. Don’t swim while drunk. Don’t do drugs. Know your limits, watch for spiking and take care of others. See more about partying safely. Prevent assault. Socialise safely with strangers and look out for your mates. See our advice on reducing the risk of assault and sexual assault.

Read more advice about staying safe and avoiding danger.

Shore visits

Shore visits are a highlight of any cruise. Just be mindful that the risks in each destination can be unique.

Research the destination. Know the safety and health risks there. Read the travel advisory for the destination.

Know the safety and health risks there. Read the travel advisory for the destination. Protect your passport. Unless the local law says you must have it on you at all times, keep it on the boat in your room’s safe. Always protect your passport.

Unless the local law says you must have it on you at all times, keep it on the boat in your room’s safe. Always protect your passport. Protect your property. Professional thieves target passengers on shore visits who let their guard down. Especially passengers who look like inexperienced travellers. Protect yourself from theft.

Professional thieves target passengers on shore visits who let their guard down. Especially passengers who look like inexperienced travellers. Protect yourself from theft. Look after your health. Research the activity you plan to do. Find out if it commonly leads to particular health problems, especially injuries. Find out if you can get medical assistance while onshore.

Research the activity you plan to do. Find out if it commonly leads to particular health problems, especially injuries. Find out if you can get medical assistance while onshore. Wear safety gear. Riding bikes, scooters, and other adventure activities are popular extras for cruise passengers. Always wear the correct safety gear for your activity. Also, make sure your insurance covers you for it. Just in case things go wrong.

Piracy and conflict

Piracy is a risk in some parts of the world. Ask the cruise company about their security measures if you’re going through a piracy-prone area. Find out about their policies and procedures in the event of a pirate attack.

Conflict in the countries surrounding your cruise route can make traversing the waters more dangerous. Be aware of current events in the region you’re cruising through. Ask your cruise company if there are any safety concerns. They may reroute your cruise if the risks are too high.

Worst case scenario

Cruises have policies for what happens if a passenger dies on board.

We strongly advise you to have travel insurance that covers death and repatriation of your remains. It often costs 1000s of dollars.

If you die, the cruise line won’t pay for these services. Neither will the Australian Government. It will be your estate or your loved ones that get stuck with the bill.

Learn more about what happens if you die overseas.

Where to get help

On your cruise liner, your first port of call for help is the crew. You can also get help from:

ship’s security

ship’s doctor

travel companions

your travel insurer.

If you’re onshore:

the tour guide

local authorities

local hospital

your travel insurer.

The Australian Government

In some circumstances, consular officials may be able to help. However, there are limits.

It’s important you understand our limits and how and when we can help. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Read more

See the travel advisory for all your destinations, including shore visits and territorial waters. Know what each advice level means.

Also see our advice for travelling by boat.

Learn about piracy, terrorism and kidnapping.

See what to do if you need help while you’re away.

See also

Like other insurance, travel insurance is something you buy in the hopes that you don’t have to use it. Especially because using it means that some part of your trip has been ruined. That’s what happened to Katy Dubinsky, a New Yorker who was on a trip to London when things went downhill. Shortly after lunch at a highly regarded restaurant, she started getting severe nausea and symptoms that suggested food poisoning.

“It got worse so quickly that I had to rush to the emergency room for medicine and IV fluids,” she says. “As a budget-conscious traveler, facing unexpected medical expenses abroad was overwhelming.”

Fortunately, her travel insurance covered 100% of the $822 USD in hospital charges and medication. “This experience made me realize just how essential travel insurance is,” she says.

Because travel insurance can be such an important safeguard for a trip, we set out to find the best travel insurance. Our team collected hundreds of details for 42 policies and evaluated coverage features and costs to identify the best options.