The Best Travel Insurance Sites
Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost bags and evacuation, and a hospital stay abroad can cost far more than a lifetime of premiums. Comparison sites show policies side by side, while nomad insurers offer rolling monthly cover for long-term travellers. Check adventure sports, pre-existing conditions and the medical limit before you buy.
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Do I really need travel insurance?
If you can't afford to pay a large hospital bill, cancel a trip at a loss, or replace lost luggage, then yes. Medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, especially in the US, and an emergency evacuation can cost tens of thousands. Your home health insurance may cover little or nothing overseas. Travel insurance also reimburses non-refundable costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason.
What is the best travel insurance company?
It depends on the trip. World Nomads covers adventurous travellers and many sports that standard policies exclude. SafetyWing and Genki offer rolling monthly medical cover designed for digital nomads and long-term travellers. Allianz, Travelex and AXA are strong for trip cancellation and family plans. Comparison sites such as InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth let US travellers compare many policies side by side.
What does travel insurance cover?
A comprehensive policy usually includes:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Trip cancellation and interruption for covered reasons.
- Lost, stolen or delayed baggage and personal belongings.
- Travel delays and missed connections.
- Personal liability.
What does travel insurance not cover?
Common exclusions include undeclared pre-existing medical conditions, injuries while drunk, extreme sports not listed in the policy, travel against government advice, and cancelling simply because you change your mind. "Cancel for any reason" add-ons exist but are more expensive and repay only part of the cost.
Tips for buying travel insurance
- Buy as soon as you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
- Check the medical limit; aim for at least 1 million for the US.
- Declare medical conditions honestly.
- Check whether your credit card already includes some travel cover.
- Keep receipts and police reports for any claim.