- The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How can I choose the right comprehensive travel insurance?
- Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage for financial protection abroad.
2. Price: A one-week European trip policy from the US typically costs between $80 and $250, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical care, evacuation, and trip cancellation, but excludes pre-existing conditions without a waiver.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: US health plans like Medicare and credit cards offer very limited or no coverage for international travel emergencies.
5. Tips: Compare medical and evacuation limits; buy within 14-21 days of your first trip payment for extra benefits.
6. Other useful info: Many policies now offer "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) upgrades, which provide greater cancellation flexibility.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans for US residents in 2025. These insurers lead the market for their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and straightforward conditions, ensuring strong all-around protection for travelers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $2,000,000 | $0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $500,000 | $0 |
|
| Tourist Card | $1,000,000 | $50 |
|
| World Travel | $1,000,000 | $100 |
|
| Globe Partner | $500,000 | $0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | $1,000,000 | $0 |
|
- Includes trip cancellation.
- Medical teleconsultation service.
- Personal liability covered.
- Fast digital claims.
- 24/7 helpline.
- Multilingual support.
- Adventure sports covered.
- Family plans available.
- No age limit.
- COVID-19 cancellation covered.
- Early refund option.
- Concierge services.
- Direct payment for hospital bills.
- Includes rental car damage.
- Trip interruption covered.
- Terrorism coverage.
- Global acceptance.
- Simple enrollment.
- Long trip durations.
- Emergency evacuation included.
- Premium remains stable after age 65.
- Support in multiple languages.
- Extendable for annual trips.
- Covers business and leisure.
The best comprehensive travel insurance depends on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find and subscribe to the plan that fits you best online.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that covers a wide range of incidents that may occur before or during a trip.
It typically includes protection for medical bills abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, personal liability, and 24/7 emergency support.
This type of insurance is designed to provide broad, all-in-one protection in a single contract, regardless of destination or trip length.
Comprehensive insurance is often confused with basic medical coverage, but it uniquely covers both non-medical and medical travel risks.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the United States:
- When your US health plan offers little or no coverage abroad.
- If you book an expensive or non-refundable trip investment.
- For travel to remote areas requiring medical evacuation coverage.
- If you or a travel companion have a pre-existing condition.
- When participating in adventure activities like skiing or scuba diving.
- For cruises or tour packages with multiple prepaid components.
- If traveling internationally with children or elderly relatives.
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend getaway to New York (3 days) | $800 | $32 to $65 |
| Two-week guided tour of Italy | $3,500 | $140 to $280 |
| Three-week Southeast Asia circuit | $4,800 | $190 to $385 |
| One-week family cruise in the Caribbean | $5,500 | $220 to $440 |
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 comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the stay, the higher the price.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, result in higher premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers typically pay higher premiums.
- level of coverage: plans with higher claim limits and lower deductibles cost more than basic options.
- additional options: adding coverage for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or “cancel for any reason” will increase the overall cost.
What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel, and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights, and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of prepaid trip costs if you cancel before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of $2,000 and avoiding deductibles over $75. Common exclusions are pre-existing medical conditions, change of mind, and lack of official proof for cancellation. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport if you miss a flight for valid reasons. | Choose at least $300 in coverage. No deductible should apply. Delays you could avoid and missed connections due to your own error are usually excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Reimburses you if luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. | Select a limit of at least $1,500 and a deductible under $50. Unattended bags, jewelry, and electronics above set limits are commonly excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation for long delays during travel. | Look for compensation of $100 or more after 4 hours delay. No deductible should apply. Delays under 4 hours or lack of proof are generally not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care abroad. | Minimum $250,000 coverage is necessary, with a deductible no more than $100. Routine care, chronic illness, and high-risk activities are frequently excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays to return you home if medically needed. | This benefit should be unlimited and fully coordinated by the insurer. Exclusions often include voluntary refusal of repatriation and non-emergency situations. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers urgent dental treatment abroad. | Choose at least $300 per incident and a deductible below $30. Planned dental care and cosmetic work are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers damages you cause to others during your trip. | At least $500,000 coverage is advisable. Deductibles should be under $150. Injuries to family members and damage to your own or rented property are excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if bags are delayed. | A good plan covers $150 or more after 24 hours of delay. Deductibles are rare. Delays on return trips and items you cannot prove are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays for lawyer fees or bail after an incident abroad. | Seek $3,000 coverage for legal fees and $8,000 for bail. Cases related to alcohol, drugs, or criminal activity are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for unused services if you interrupt your trip. | Pick at least $1,000 in coverage. Avoid plans with high deductibles. Voluntary returns or minor inconveniences are not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays if you die or are left with a permanent disability due to an accident abroad. | Look for $15,000 or more, with zero deductible. Risky sports, alcohol, and drugs are common exclusions. |
Common exclusions are pre-existing medical conditions, change of mind, and lack of official proof for cancellation.
Delays you could avoid and missed connections due to your own error are usually excluded.
Unattended bags, jewelry, and electronics above set limits are commonly excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or lack of proof are generally not covered.
Routine care, chronic illness, and high-risk activities are frequently excluded.
Exclusions often include voluntary refusal of repatriation and non-emergency situations.
Planned dental care and cosmetic work are excluded.
Injuries to family members and damage to your own or rented property are excluded.
Delays on return trips and items you cannot prove are not covered.
Cases related to alcohol, drugs, or criminal activity are excluded.
Voluntary returns or minor inconveniences are not covered.
Risky sports, alcohol, and drugs are common exclusions.
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 comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and make your benefits valid, you need to meet several conditions. Here are the most common ones in the US:
- Policy purchase timing: you must purchase the policy before leaving the United States, usually within 1 to 3 days of initial trip payment.
- Residency status: you must be a legal resident or citizen of the United States at the time of purchase.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum period covered by the policy, for example, 90 days for a single trip plan.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be traveling or outside the US when purchasing new coverage.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer as soon as possible after a covered incident, such as illness, theft, or cancellation.
- Documentation required: you must provide official receipts, medical records, or other documentation for claims like cancellations or medical expenses.
- Destination restrictions: your insurance is not valid if you travel to any country listed on the US State Department's “Do Not Travel” advisory list.
- Lawful conduct: you must comply with all US laws and travel regulations, as illegal activities are always excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
Many US travelers assume pre-existing conditions are never covered. However, most comprehensive policies offer a waiver, covering these conditions if you buy the insurance within a short window (usually 14-21 days) after your first trip payment. This critical timing is often overlooked.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
When traveling outside the United States, even minor health issues can lead to significant expenses. Many health services abroad must be paid upfront and are not covered by US health insurance.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, subject to policy limit |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Typically 100%, usually after any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, often subject to sublimits |
| Appendectomy surgery |
| Up to 100%, subject to overall maximum |
| Medical evacuation by air ambulance |
| Covered up to the evacuation limit, often $250,000+ |
- Europe: $500 to $1,500
- North America: $1,000 to $2,000
- Asia: $250 to $600
- Europe: $250 to $600
- North America: $400 to $1,000
- Asia: $100 to $300
- Europe: $200 to $500
- North America: $500 to $1,200
- Asia: $120 to $350
- Europe: $8,000 to $20,000
- North America: $16,000 to $35,000
- Asia: $6,000 to $15,000
- Europe: $45,000 to $75,000
- North America: $80,000 to $120,000
- Asia: $30,000 to $60,000
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.
In addition to medical expenses, comprehensive travel insurance may also include trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or theft, civil liability coverage, repatriation, and services like 24/7 assistance or emergency cash advance.
Good to know
Your US health plan is nearly useless abroad. A sudden illness or accident can lead to over $100,000 in medical and evacuation bills. A comprehensive plan, like those from an insurer like Chapka, protects your health and savings, ensuring you get home safely without life-altering debt.
How can I choose the right comprehensive travel insurance?
Coverage details such as reimbursement ceilings, deductibles and claim conditions can vary widely between comprehensive travel insurance policies. It is essential to carefully compare the most important features and policy limits to ensure complete protection based on your needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Caps on payouts can leave you exposed to high costs after accidents or trip disruptions | Choose coverage of at least $100,000 for medical care, $500,000 if traveling to remote or high-cost areas |
| 🧾 Deductible | This is your out-of-pocket cost per claim before benefits start | Prioritize plans with no deductible or a very low one for core expenses like emergency medical care |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Pre-existing conditions and coverage may be excluded if rules are not followed | Purchase coverage within 14 days of initial trip payment to maximize eligibility for waivers and bonuses |
| 👤 Traveler age | Premiums and coverage limits can shift significantly after age 65 | Confirm the plan covers your age with adequate limits and no age-related exclusions or surcharges |
| 🧳 Traveler profile | Families, business travelers, and solo travelers have different risks and insurance needs | Select plans tailored for families or business professionals if traveling with others or carrying equipment |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most plans have a maximum covered trip length (typically 30 to 90 days) | If you are traveling for several months, consider multi-trip or extended-stay comprehensive policies |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and exclusions may depend on your destination or travel route | Make sure the plan includes your full itinerary, including layovers and high-risk regions |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | Bank cards and private health insurance may have gaps for major claims | Check existing coverage, then supplement with a comprehensive plan to avoid duplicated benefits or shortfalls |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure and sports may be excluded unless specified | Notify the insurer and select optional coverage for any activity beyond standard leisure travel |
Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
It is natural to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or your public health plan, offer sufficient comprehensive travel protection. Unfortunately, they rarely provide the same guarantees. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | Never | May cover emergency care in rare situations abroad (up to $50,000). No medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage protection, or 24/7 assistance. | Travel insurance typically provides up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield) | Almost Never | Limited emergency care abroad, sometimes capped at $50,000-$100,000. No evacuation, no trip cancellation, no baggage, and limited worldwide assistance. | Travel insurance covers emergency evacuations, cancellations and lost baggage up to $1,000,000, far exceeding private plans' international protection. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity) | Never | Possible rental car or accident coverage, usually under $25,000. No medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, or baggage/luggage coverage at all. | Travel insurance includes medical treatment, evacuations, and trip issues, with limits up to $1,000,000, not found in standard credit card benefits. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum) | Limited coverage | Some trip cancellation ($10,000), baggage delay ($3,000) and rental car. No major medical, evacuation, or comprehensive trip interruption protection. | Travel insurance offers high limits: medical up to $1,000,000, evacuation up to $1,000,000, and robust trip interruption and baggage protection. |
No medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage protection, or 24/7 assistance.
No evacuation, no trip cancellation, no baggage, and limited worldwide assistance.
No medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, or baggage/luggage coverage at all.
No major medical, evacuation, or comprehensive trip interruption protection.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often excludes key situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Read your policy’s fine print carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for travelers entering certain countries, especially those requiring a visa, such as Schengen area nations and Cuba. In most travel situations, it is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, if you face a serious illness or trip cancellation abroad, having comprehensive coverage can prevent significant financial losses.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
The best time to buy comprehensive travel insurance is immediately after you book your trip or make your first payment. Purchasing early allows you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage and makes it easier to waive pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Delaying your purchase can leave you unprotected if something happens before your departure.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review multiple offers for comprehensive coverage.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully read through all policy terms to understand what is covered and excluded.
3/ Purchase online: Once you have chosen a policy, complete the purchase securely online.
4/ Receive the certificate: After payment, your insurance certificate is sent by email for your records and proof.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Waiting too long may limit your eligibility for certain benefits like “cancel for any reason” coverage or waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions.
How do I make a claim with comprehensive travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible after an incident. Prepare supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police reports. Submit your claim online or by email following your insurer’s instructions. Insurers typically process claims within a few weeks after receiving all required evidence.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellation due to illness, and required quarantines. Coverage specifics can vary by provider, so check the policy for details about what COVID-19 scenarios are included and any required documentation.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Some comprehensive travel insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if purchased shortly after booking your trip. Look for policies that include a pre-existing condition waiver and be sure to disclose your medical history during purchase.
Is travel to countries with advisories covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Certain comprehensive travel insurance policies exclude coverage for destinations with high-level government travel advisories, such as a US Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning. Always check your policy’s exclusions concerning advisories before traveling.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for travelers entering certain countries, especially those requiring a visa, such as Schengen area nations and Cuba. In most travel situations, it is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, if you face a serious illness or trip cancellation abroad, having comprehensive coverage can prevent significant financial losses.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
The best time to buy comprehensive travel insurance is immediately after you book your trip or make your first payment. Purchasing early allows you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage and makes it easier to waive pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Delaying your purchase can leave you unprotected if something happens before your departure.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review multiple offers for comprehensive coverage.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully read through all policy terms to understand what is covered and excluded.
3/ Purchase online: Once you have chosen a policy, complete the purchase securely online.
4/ Receive the certificate: After payment, your insurance certificate is sent by email for your records and proof.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Waiting too long may limit your eligibility for certain benefits like “cancel for any reason” coverage or waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions.
How do I make a claim with comprehensive travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible after an incident. Prepare supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police reports. Submit your claim online or by email following your insurer’s instructions. Insurers typically process claims within a few weeks after receiving all required evidence.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellation due to illness, and required quarantines. Coverage specifics can vary by provider, so check the policy for details about what COVID-19 scenarios are included and any required documentation.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Some comprehensive travel insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if purchased shortly after booking your trip. Look for policies that include a pre-existing condition waiver and be sure to disclose your medical history during purchase.
Is travel to countries with advisories covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Certain comprehensive travel insurance policies exclude coverage for destinations with high-level government travel advisories, such as a US Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning. Always check your policy’s exclusions concerning advisories before traveling.
