Travel insurance

US: Best Travel Insurance Plans in 2025

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Table of Contents

What exactly is travel insurance?
The price of travel insurance
What does travel insurance cover?
The conditions to meet
Why take out travel insurance?
How to choose the right travel insurance?
Do your current insurers offer travel insurance?
FAQ
On the same topic

travel insurance: key takeaways

1. Definition: Travel insurance protects your financial investment from unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.

2. Price: For a week in Europe, expect to pay between $150 and $300, or 4-8% of your total trip cost.

3. Coverage: It covers medical care, cancellations, and baggage issues; pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities are often excluded.

4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your credit cards and domestic health insurance, including Medicare, typically offer very limited or no coverage abroad.

5. Tips: Compare policies, read the exclusions, and buy coverage that matches your trip's cost, destination, and your health.

6. Other useful info: For full benefits like pre-existing condition waivers, purchase your policy within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Why trust HelloSafe ?

HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best one for you.

What exactly is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that financially protects you if unexpected events disrupt your trip. It usually covers emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, and other travel-related risks. Plans and benefits vary by provider, destination, and traveler type.

Travel insurance is important because your regular health or credit card coverage often does not cover major expenses or emergencies abroad, leaving you exposed to significant costs.

Expert advice

Here are the situations where taking out travel insurance is especially recommended:
- Your US health plan offers limited or no coverage abroad.
- Your trip involves significant non-refundable prepaid costs.
- You are taking a cruise or a guided tour package.
- You have a pre-existing medical condition requiring attention.
- You are traveling to remote areas with limited medical facilities.
- Your itinerary relies on connecting flights or tight schedules.
- You plan to participate in adventure sports or high-risk activities.

The price of travel insurance

On average, travel insurance costs between 4% and 10% of the total price of your trip.

Comparison of travel costs for various trips.
Trip	Trip cost	Indicative price per person
One week in Mexico	$2,000	$80 – $200
Two weeks across Europe	$3,500	$140 – $350
One month in Southeast Asia	$4,000	$160 – $400
Ten days in Canada	$3,000	$120 – $300

One week in Mexico

Trip cost

$2,000

Indicative price per person

$80 – $200

Two weeks across Europe

Trip cost

$3,500

Indicative price per person

$140 – $350

One month in Southeast Asia

Trip cost

$4,000

Indicative price per person

$160 – $400

Ten days in Canada

Trip cost

$3,000

Indicative price per person

$120 – $300

Comparison of travel costs for various trips.

These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.

The price of your travel insurance depends on several factors:

trip duration: longer trips typically increase the total premium.
destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, usually mean higher prices.
traveller’s age: older travelers often pay significantly more for coverage.
coverage level: premium plans with higher limits and lower deductibles are more expensive.
options selected: adding “cancel for any reason,” extreme sports, or valuable belongings insurance can increase the cost.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected problems during your trip. Here's what it usually covers, and what it may not.

Overview of common travel insurance guarantees, their definitions, and expert advice on coverage.
Covered guarantee	Definition	Expert advice
✈️ Trip cancellation	Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip before departure.	For solid protection, select coverage matching your trip cost, at least $10k. Deductible should not exceed $100. Epidemics, personal choice, and pre existing conditions are often excluded.
🕒 Trip interruption	Covers costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to an emergency.	Choose coverage equal to your total trip value, deductible below $100. Exclusions may include war, intentional acts, and foreseeable health issues.
🧳 Lost or delayed luggage	Pays for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal items during your journey.	Minimum $2,000 coverage and deductible under $50 is recommended. Unattended baggage, luxury goods, and items in checked luggage can be excluded.
🚑 Emergency medical expenses	Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care or hospitalization while abroad.	Opt for at least $250k coverage, no deductible if possible. Exclusions often include pre existing conditions, high risk sports, and mental health care.
🛫 Medical evacuation & repatriation	Key guarantee. Pays to transport you to adequate medical facilities or return home if necessary.	Recommend at least $500k coverage, deductible below $100. Claims linked to self harm, political unrest, or unapproved transport are usually excluded.
⚖️ Personal liability	Covers injury or damage you accidentally cause to others or their property while abroad.	At least $1M coverage is best, deductible no more than $500. Exclusions: driving accidents, business activities, and intentional damage.
🛠️ 24/7 assistance services	Gives access to emergency help (legal, medical, translation) at any time, anywhere.	Ensure this service is unlimited with a global hotline. Non critical requests, strikes, and remote support may be excluded.
⛑️ Accident lump sum insurance	Usually optional. Pays set amount for death or disability from an accident during your trip.	Look for at least $50k coverage, minimum deductible. Exclusions: extreme sports, substance use, and pre existing health issues are typical.

✈️ Trip cancellation

Definition

Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip before departure.

Expert advice

For solid protection, select coverage matching your trip cost, at least $10k.
Deductible should not exceed $100. Epidemics, personal choice, and pre existing conditions are often excluded.

🕒 Trip interruption

Definition

Covers costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to an emergency.

Expert advice

Choose coverage equal to your total trip value, deductible below $100.
Exclusions may include war, intentional acts, and foreseeable health issues.

🧳 Lost or delayed luggage

Definition

Pays for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal items during your journey.

Expert advice

Minimum $2,000 coverage and deductible under $50 is recommended.
Unattended baggage, luxury goods, and items in checked luggage can be excluded.

🚑 Emergency medical expenses

Definition

Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care or hospitalization while abroad.

Expert advice

Opt for at least $250k coverage, no deductible if possible.
Exclusions often include pre existing conditions, high risk sports, and mental health care.

🛫 Medical evacuation & repatriation

Definition

Key guarantee. Pays to transport you to adequate medical facilities or return home if necessary.

Expert advice

Recommend at least $500k coverage, deductible below $100.
Claims linked to self harm, political unrest, or unapproved transport are usually excluded.

⚖️ Personal liability

Definition

Covers injury or damage you accidentally cause to others or their property while abroad.

Expert advice

At least $1M coverage is best, deductible no more than $500.
Exclusions: driving accidents, business activities, and intentional damage.

🛠️ 24/7 assistance services

Definition

Gives access to emergency help (legal, medical, translation) at any time, anywhere.

Expert advice

Ensure this service is unlimited with a global hotline.
Non critical requests, strikes, and remote support may be excluded.

⛑️ Accident lump sum insurance

Definition

Usually optional. Pays set amount for death or disability from an accident during your trip.

Expert advice

Look for at least $50k coverage, minimum deductible.
Exclusions: extreme sports, substance use, and pre existing health issues are typical.

Overview of common travel insurance guarantees, their definitions, and expert advice on coverage.

Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.

To find the travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.

The conditions to meet

To make sure your travel insurance is valid, you must meet several important conditions:

Policy purchase timing: insurance must be bought before traveling. Buying after departure can result in no coverage for your trip.
Trip start location: coverage usually applies only when the trip begins in the United States.
Trip duration: the length of your trip must not exceed the maximum allowed by the policy, often 30 to 90 days.
Accurate information: all personal and medical details must be declared truthfully at the time of purchase.
Medical eligibility: you need to be medically fit to travel when the policy starts. Unstable pre-existing conditions may require a waiver.
Covered activities: only activities listed in the policy are insured. Risky sports or special adventures may need additional coverage.
Official travel advice: travel to countries under US government travel advisories may not be covered.
Age and residency: you must be within the age limits and reside in the United States to qualify for most plans.

If you have specific needs, always check the full terms and conditions of your policy before departure.

Watch out!

Many travelers assume declaring a pre-existing condition is enough. However, for coverage to apply, you often need a specific waiver. This waiver must be purchased within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit and requires insuring your full trip cost. Miss this window, and your condition likely won't be covered.

Why take out travel insurance?

Unexpected accidents or illness can occur while traveling, and the costs of healthcare abroad can quickly lead to significant expenses if you are not protected.

Here are some common health-related costs encountered during travel:

Comparison of average medical costs for common travel incidents and typical travel insurance coverage.
Type of treatment	Average cost ($ US)	What travel insurance covers
Sprained ankle while hiking	Europe: $500–$900 North America: $1,500–$3,500 Asia: $250–$700	Up to 100%, plans in US typically cover up to $500,000 or more for medical care
Cut from a scooter accident	Europe: $750–$1,600 North America: $2,500–$5,000 Asia: $400–$1,000	Up to 100%, including emergency care and minor surgery with total limit up to $500,000
Food poisoning, hospital stay	Europe: $2,200–$5,500 North America: $5,000–$10,000 Asia: $800–$2,500	Up to 100%, covers hospitalisation, diagnostics, and medication, up to $500,000
Tooth infection requiring treatment	Europe: $350–$800 North America: $700–$2,500 Asia: $150–$400	Limited, often up to $1,000 for emergency dental expenses
Respiratory infection, consultation	Europe: $120–$400 North America: $250–$700 Asia: $60–$250	Up to 100% of outpatient consultation and medication charges

Sprained ankle while hiking

Average cost ($ US)

Europe: $500–$900
North America: $1,500–$3,500
Asia: $250–$700

What travel insurance covers

Up to 100%, plans in US typically cover up to $500,000 or more for medical care

Cut from a scooter accident

Average cost ($ US)

Europe: $750–$1,600
North America: $2,500–$5,000
Asia: $400–$1,000

What travel insurance covers

Up to 100%, including emergency care and minor surgery with total limit up to $500,000

Food poisoning, hospital stay

Average cost ($ US)

Europe: $2,200–$5,500
North America: $5,000–$10,000
Asia: $800–$2,500

What travel insurance covers

Up to 100%, covers hospitalisation, diagnostics, and medication, up to $500,000

Tooth infection requiring treatment

Average cost ($ US)

Europe: $350–$800
North America: $700–$2,500
Asia: $150–$400

What travel insurance covers

Limited, often up to $1,000 for emergency dental expenses

Respiratory infection, consultation

Average cost ($ US)

Europe: $120–$400
North America: $250–$700
Asia: $60–$250

What travel insurance covers

Up to 100% of outpatient consultation and medication charges

Comparison of average medical costs for common travel incidents and typical travel insurance coverage.

Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.

💡 Travel insurance can also include trip cancellation, lost baggage, personal liability abroad, rental car coverage, and emergency evacuation. These guarantees can be important if you face an unforeseen problem while traveling.

How to choose the right travel insurance?

Travel insurance policies in the United States differ greatly in reimbursement, deductibles, and conditions. Knowing which criteria to compare will help you find useful guarantees and avoid unexpected expenses.

Key Criteria for Choosing Travel Insurance.
Criterion	Why it matters	Expert tip
💰 Reimbursement limits	Define the maximum amount paid for medical, cancellation, or baggage claims.	Select at least $250,000 for medical coverage abroad and $500,000 for evacuation benefits.
📉 Deductibles	Affect how much you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins.	Favor plans with deductibles under $100 for reduced upfront expenses and simpler claims.
👤 Traveller’s age	Influences premium and available coverage, especially for seniors.	Compare plans by age. The insurer Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62.
🧍 Traveller profile	Affects tailor-made coverage based on needs such as student, business, or family.	Choose policies adapted to your situation for more relevant and tailored benefits.
🗓️ Trip duration	May limit how long insurance protects you while traveling.	Check maximum duration allowed and if re-entry to the US resets the coverage period.
🌏 Geographic area	Plan must cover all regions or countries you will visit or transit through.	Ensure all destinations and stopovers are included, especially remote or high-cost regions.
🧗 Planned activities	Some sports and activities are excluded from standard policies.	Add coverage for extreme sports, trekking, or adventure activities if you plan to do them.
🏦 Existing coverage	Benefits may overlap or be limited by other insurances or credit cards.	Check what your health plan and bank card already cover before choosing extra protection.
📑 Conditions and exclusions	Outline when the policy does or does not pay out.	Read exclusions for pre-existing conditions, risky destinations, and high-value items.
💻 Online comparison & purchase	Helps efficiently select and filter options fitting your needs and budget.	Use HelloSafe to compare plans based on age, destination, and coverage type in the US.

💰 Reimbursement limits

Why it matters

Define the maximum amount paid for medical, cancellation, or baggage claims.

Expert tip

Select at least $250,000 for medical coverage abroad and $500,000 for evacuation benefits.

📉 Deductibles

Why it matters

Affect how much you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins.

Expert tip

Favor plans with deductibles under $100 for reduced upfront expenses and simpler claims.

👤 Traveller’s age

Why it matters

Influences premium and available coverage, especially for seniors.

Expert tip

Compare plans by age. The insurer Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62.

🧍 Traveller profile

Why it matters

Affects tailor-made coverage based on needs such as student, business, or family.

Expert tip

Choose policies adapted to your situation for more relevant and tailored benefits.

🗓️ Trip duration

Why it matters

May limit how long insurance protects you while traveling.

Expert tip

Check maximum duration allowed and if re-entry to the US resets the coverage period.

🌏 Geographic area

Why it matters

Plan must cover all regions or countries you will visit or transit through.

Expert tip

Ensure all destinations and stopovers are included, especially remote or high-cost regions.

🧗 Planned activities

Why it matters

Some sports and activities are excluded from standard policies.

Expert tip

Add coverage for extreme sports, trekking, or adventure activities if you plan to do them.

🏦 Existing coverage

Why it matters

Benefits may overlap or be limited by other insurances or credit cards.

Expert tip

Check what your health plan and bank card already cover before choosing extra protection.

📑 Conditions and exclusions

Why it matters

Outline when the policy does or does not pay out.

Expert tip

Read exclusions for pre-existing conditions, risky destinations, and high-value items.

💻 Online comparison & purchase

Why it matters

Helps efficiently select and filter options fitting your needs and budget.

Expert tip

Use HelloSafe to compare plans based on age, destination, and coverage type in the US.

Key Criteria for Choosing Travel Insurance.

Good to know

When traveling abroad, immediate medical advice is invaluable. Some insurers provide a guarantee of 24/7 telemedicine services via an app, a huge plus when facing unfamiliar healthcare systems. Heymondo, for example, includes this feature, letting you chat with a doctor directly from your phone anytime, anywhere.

Do your current insurers offer travel insurance?

It is reasonable to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card protection or public health insurance, can offer you travel insurance, but unfortunately, the guarantees are often limited compared to a dedicated policy. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.

Type of insurance	Travel insurance included?	What it covers	Why Travel Insurance is better
Public health insurance	Never	Domestic care only. No overseas treatment or evacuation. Often excludes medical costs abroad and all trip risks.	Travel insurance provides $250,000–$500,000 medical and up to $1 million evacuation coverage, plus trip cancellation and baggage protection.
Private health insurance	Limited coverage	Some emergency medical care abroad, often capped under $50,000. Rarely covers evacuation or any trip-related losses.	Travel insurance adds higher medical limits and covers non-medical claims like cancellation, lost baggage, and medical repatriation.
Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Amex Blue, Mastercard Standard)	Limited coverage	May provide $1,500–$10,000 trip cancellation, $1,500 baggage, usually little or no medical. Many exclusions apply.	Travel insurance covers up to $50,000–$200,000 for trip protection, $3,000 baggage, major medical, and emergencies without card restrictions.
Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite)	Limited coverage	Higher limits on cancellation ($10,000–$20,000), $2,000–$3,000 baggage; medical rare, evacuation not always included.	Travel insurance can reach $500,000–$1 million medical, unlimited evacuation, broader trip coverage, and is not limited to card use.

Public health insurance

Travel insurance included?

Never

What it covers

Domestic care only. No overseas treatment or evacuation. Often excludes medical costs abroad and all trip risks.

Why Travel Insurance is better

Travel insurance provides $250,000–$500,000 medical and up to $1 million evacuation coverage, plus trip cancellation and baggage protection.

Private health insurance

Travel insurance included?

Limited coverage

What it covers

Some emergency medical care abroad, often capped under $50,000. Rarely covers evacuation or any trip-related losses.

Why Travel Insurance is better

Travel insurance adds higher medical limits and covers non-medical claims like cancellation, lost baggage, and medical repatriation.

Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Amex Blue, Mastercard Standard)

Travel insurance included?

Limited coverage

What it covers

May provide $1,500–$10,000 trip cancellation, $1,500 baggage, usually little or no medical. Many exclusions apply.

Why Travel Insurance is better

Travel insurance covers up to $50,000–$200,000 for trip protection, $3,000 baggage, major medical, and emergencies without card restrictions.

Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite)

Travel insurance included?

Limited coverage

What it covers

Higher limits on cancellation ($10,000–$20,000), $2,000–$3,000 baggage; medical rare, evacuation not always included.

Why Travel Insurance is better

Travel insurance can reach $500,000–$1 million medical, unlimited evacuation, broader trip coverage, and is not limited to card use.

Expert advice

Some important coverages such as trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death is almost never covered by bank cards and health insurances. Always check the exclusions of your existing policies. In any case, buying travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer.

FAQ

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Travel insurance is not generally mandatory for US travelers, but some countries require proof of coverage for entry. For example, Cuba and Schengen-area countries may ask for valid insurance at the border. Even where not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for trips involving costly flights or destinations where healthcare is expensive, like France or Japan. Medical emergencies or major cancellations can lead to large out-of-pocket expenses. Having insurance reduces your financial risks in these situations.

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. Purchasing early ensures you're protected if you need to cancel before departure. Most insurers require you to buy coverage within 14–21 days of your initial deposit for pre-existing medical conditions and maximum benefits. If you wait until just before your trip, you may lose access to important coverage options. Early purchase also covers trip delays, interruptions, and nonrefundable expenses right away.

How do I purchase travel insurance?

1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to evaluate top policy options for your needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Read all details—each policy differs on medical, cancellation, baggage and sports coverage.
3/ Purchase online: Complete the process securely on the insurer’s website in just a few minutes.
4/ Receive the certificate: Download or receive your official plan certificate, which you may need to show abroad or at border controls.

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking but it’s best to do so soon. Buying coverage promptly after your first payment gives you access to more benefits, like waivers for pre-existing health conditions or coverage for trip cancellation. Delaying may mean fewer options and can exclude certain events already in progress.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as an incident occurs. Prepare documentation such as receipts, police reports, or medical records, depending on your claim. Most insurers have user-friendly online forms or app-based claims. Complete all fields accurately, submit required documents, and respond promptly if asked for more information. Your insurer will update you on the process and payout.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

How do I purchase travel insurance?

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

How do I make a claim?

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US: Best Travel Insurance Plans in 2025

What exactly is travel insurance?

The price of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The conditions to meet

Why take out travel insurance?

How to choose the right travel insurance?

Do your current insurers offer travel insurance?

FAQ

Is travel insurance mandatory?

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

How do I purchase travel insurance?

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

How do I make a claim?

Is travel insurance mandatory?

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

How do I purchase travel insurance?

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

How do I make a claim?

On the same topic

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