Travel Insurance

Best Travel Insurance Companies For Travelers

Picking travel insurance can be a very confusing part of planning your international trip. Is it worth the expense? Which insurance companies offer the best coverage?

Securing travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing for international adventures. Unlike regular health insurance, which often falls short abroad, dedicated travel insurance fills the gap. A good travel insurance plan can cover things like lost luggage, theft, illnesses before your trip, emergency medical care, and shady travel agencies. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, theft, illness, and even trip interruptions. It's a wise choice for safe and worry-free travel in today's world.

Here are some reasons you might need travel insurance while traveling;

  • It covers you when you get sick and need to see a doctor.

  • It covers you if you need to get helicoptered out of somewhere.

  • It covers you if you need to be sent home.

  • It covers electronics that break or are stolen.

  • It covers if you have to cancel your trip.

  • It covers you if your goods are stolen.

  • It is affordable and offers peace of mind!

  • It is easy to get (and renew online).

  • It is a no-brainer – because if something goes wrong, it saves you thousands!

This travel insurance guide has narrowed down the overwhelming choices so you can pick some good travel insurance whether you’re traveling for 2 weeks or 6 months.

Types Of Travel Insurance

There are a few different kinds of travel insurance, and some plans cover more than others.

Before getting travel insurance, you first need to know what type of traveler you are. Are you a short-term traveler going away for a week or two or are you a long-term traveler leaving for 6-months or more?

Travel Medical Insurance covers accidents, injuries, illness, or hospital visits while traveling.

Medical Evacuation Insurance covers emergency transportation to a major hospital for better treatment.

Trip Cancellation Insurance covers unexpected interruptions in your travel plans and changes in travel plans.

Baggage/Property Insurance covers theft or damage to your gear while traveling especially if you have expensive travel gear.

Short-Term Travel Insurance

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SafetyWing

Safety Wing offers global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy it even if you are already abroad. They can also cover you in your home country, or a dependent child who is traveling with you. Plans start at only $40 per month, and they include theft of personal property too!

Long-Term Travel Insurance

A blue black travel luggage with an orange shield that has an airplane drawn on it beside the luggage

IMG Global

This plan specializes in long-term worldwide medical coverage, but does not cover theft or trip cancelation. Coverage inside the United States is included, but to qualify you must spend at least 6 months of the year living abroad. You can choose a deductible from $250-$10,000.

Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes.
Coverage at Home: Yes.
Medical Evacuation: Yes.
Trip Cancellation: No.
Theft/Damage Insurance: No.
Example Quote: Global Gold (1 year policy) = $74/month with $1000 deductible

Additional Travel Insurance Tips

  • Read the terms and conditions of your insurance so you know what you’re covered for. For example, some policies don’t cover extreme sports or theft of unattended items.

  • Take photos or a video of your travel gear with a date stamp.

  • Save copies of any travel gear purchases & hospital receipts. Keep originals too.

  • Write down serial numbers, policy numbers, and insurance contact information.

  • Store this information online in a secure, easy-to-access place. I recommend Evernote. Another great option is Dropbox or Google Drive.

  • File a police report immediately after any theft or accident while traveling.