- The best international travel insurance plans
- What is international travel insurance?
- What is the price of international travel insurance?
- What international travel insurance covers
- The Conditions of International Travel Insurance
- Why take out international travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right international Travel Insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover international travel insurance?
- FAQ
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage when traveling outside the US.
2. Price: For a week in Europe, expect to pay between $45 and $120, depending on your coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care and evacuation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your US health plan, like Medicare, and credit cards offer very limited or no coverage abroad.
5. Tips: Prioritize policies with high medical evacuation limits and check pre-existing condition waiver rules before purchasing.
6. Other useful info: Register your trip with the State Department's STEP program for added safety and embassy alerts.
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 international travel insurance.
The best international travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of the United States in 2025.
These policies are among the best due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, offering optimal protection for international travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0 M $ | $0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0 M $ | $0 |
|
| Tourist Card | 0.5 M $ | $32, $64 for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | 0.7 M $ (USA/Canada), 0.3 M $ (others) | $53 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.3 M $ | $0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | 0.5 M $ | $0 |
|
- 24/7 support in English and Spanish.
- Optimized for family and group travel.
- Access to telemedicine and concierge services.
- Luggage coverage included.
- Fast emergency response.
- App for accessing care abroad.
- Psychological support included.
- No rate increase by age.
- Fast reimbursement process.
- Cancellation coverage included.
- Second medical opinion system.
- Scalable for digital nomads.
- Hotel quarantine coverage.
- Psychological assistance.
- Loss of passport support.
- Political evacuation included.
- Competitive premiums under 40.
- Enrollment fully online.
- Track claims by email.
- Suitable for long stays up to 12 months.
- Rate stability over age 60.
- Multilingual assistance available.
The best international travel insurance for you depends on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is international travel insurance?
International travel insurance is a policy that provides financial protection during trips abroad.
It covers costs related to emergencies such as accidents, illness, medical evacuation, or trip cancellation when outside the US.
This coverage is essential because most US health plans and credit card benefits do not extend to medical care or emergencies overseas.
Expert advice
Here are situations where international travel insurance is especially important for US travelers:
- When your US health plan offers little or no overseas coverage.
- If you book an expensive or non-refundable international trip.
- For any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of your age.
- When traveling to remote areas or for adventure activities.
- If your destination country requires proof of insurance for entry.
- When taking a cruise that visits multiple international ports.
- If traveling with children or other dependent family members.
What is the price of international travel insurance?
On average, international travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Canada (4 days) | $900 | $30 to $50 |
| Two-week tour in Japan | $4,000 | $120 to $290 |
| Three-week trip to France and Italy | $6,500 | $210 to $420 |
| Multi-country South America adventure (1 month) | $8,000 | $260 to $520 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the premium.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, increase the price.
- traveler’s age: older travelers may pay more for coverage.
- coverage level and options: higher maximum limits, lower deductibles, or the addition of trip cancellation or high-risk activities coverage all raise the cost.
- health status and pre-existing conditions: some plans apply surcharges or exclusions.
What international travel insurance covers
International travel insurance is designed to provide comprehensive coverage before, during, and after your trip abroad.
It protects your health, your belongings, and your finances against the most common travel risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | Aim for at least $1,500 coverage per person, avoid deductibles over $50. Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, visa refusal, or a change of mind. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport if you miss your flight due to eligible delay events. | Minimum $250, no deductible recommended. Exclusions: being late by fault, or delays not confirmed by carrier in writing. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Pays if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during travel. | At least $1,000 recommended, avoid deductibles over $30. Unattended baggage or valuables limit are typical exclusions. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides fixed benefit for long transport delays. | Choose $100+ after 4 hours, no deductible needed. Not covered: delays under 4 hours or those without written proof from the carrier. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical care or hospitalization during the trip. | Minimum $100k to $1M, no deductible or max $50. Exclusions: routine checkups and chronic or unreported conditions. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers cost of emergency evacuation or repatriation to the US. | Unlimited coverage is preferred, insurer must organize the evacuation. Refusal to be repatriated or non-emergency cases are often excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care needed while abroad. | At least $200 coverage, avoid high deductibles. Cosmetic or planned dental work often excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or property damage you cause to others while traveling. | Coverage should be $300,000 or more, with deductible below $100. Family damage or rental property incidents often excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essential purchases if bags are delayed during transport. | Minimum $150 after 24 hours delay, no deductible. Return delays or purchases not justified by receipts are typically excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees or bail if you face a legal problem overseas. | Look for $3,000 legal fees and $7,500 bail coverage. Criminal acts or incidents involving alcohol often excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Reimburses non-used services if you have to cut short your trip. | Minimum $1,000 recommended, low or no deductible. Voluntary return or minor inconvenience not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays for death or permanent disability during the trip. | At least $10,000 recommended, should be no deductible. High-risk activities or incidents under influence are typically excluded. |
Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, visa refusal, or a change of mind.
Exclusions: being late by fault, or delays not confirmed by carrier in writing.
Unattended baggage or valuables limit are typical exclusions.
Not covered: delays under 4 hours or those without written proof from the carrier.
Exclusions: routine checkups and chronic or unreported conditions.
Refusal to be repatriated or non-emergency cases are often excluded.
Cosmetic or planned dental work often excluded.
Family damage or rental property incidents often excluded.
Return delays or purchases not justified by receipts are typically excluded.
Criminal acts or incidents involving alcohol often excluded.
Voluntary return or minor inconvenience not covered.
High-risk activities or incidents under influence are typically excluded.
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 international travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of International Travel Insurance
To activate your international travel insurance and make your coverage valid, several conditions must usually be met.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the insurance plan before leaving the United States, commonly within a few days of the first booking.
- Residency requirement: you must be a US resident at the time of policy purchase.
- Trip duration compliance: the trip must not exceed the maximum duration specified in the contract, such as 90 or 180 days.
- Trip purpose: coverage applies to leisure or business trips, not long-term relocation, study, or permanent emigration.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot subscribe to the plan if already abroad for that trip.
- Incident notification: you must contact the insurer promptly in case of emergency, such as illness, serious accident, or theft.
- Supporting documentation: you need to provide proof, such as official receipts or certificates, for claims like cancellation or loss.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries under official US State Department “Do Not Travel” advisories is usually excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for US travelers is assuming their pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered. For coverage to apply, you must typically purchase your policy within a specific window, often 14-21 days, of your initial trip payment. Missing this deadline can result in claim denial.
Why take out international travel insurance?
When traveling internationally, even minor medical problems can result in considerable expenses due to high healthcare costs in many countries.
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%, after deductible |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, after deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Usually 100%, per limits |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial, sometimes up to 75% |
| Appendectomy surgery |
| Up to 100%, subject to maximum |
| Broken arm treatment and cast |
| Up to 100%, after deductible |
| Medical evacuation by air ambulance |
| Up to 100%, per policy |
| Emergency room visit for chest pain |
| Up to 100%, after deductible |
- Europe: $800 to $1,200
- North America: $1,200 to $2,000
- Asia: $400 to $900
- Europe: $600 to $1,000
- North America: $900 to $1,800
- Asia: $300 to $600
- Europe: $400 to $800
- North America: $600 to $1,000
- Asia: $200 to $400
- Europe: $500 to $900
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $250 to $500
- Europe: $15,000 to $18,000
- North America: $25,000 to $30,000
- Asia: $8,000 to $12,000
- Europe: $2,500 to $3,200
- North America: $4,000 to $5,500
- Asia: $1,200 to $2,000
- Europe: $50,000 to $70,000
- North America: $75,000 to $120,000
- Asia: $40,000 to $80,000
- Europe: $3,000 to $5,000
- North America: $5,000 to $9,000
- Asia: $1,500 to $3,000
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, international travel insurance can include trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance, and emergency services like teleconsultation or advance funds.
Good to know
Your US health plan likely offers zero coverage overseas. An unexpected hospital visit could cost tens of thousands. A specialist plan from an insurer like ACS ensures you're not left with a massive bill, protecting both your health and your savings from financial disaster.
How to Choose the Right international Travel Insurance
Coverage, including reimbursement rates and policy limits, can differ greatly between international travel insurance plans. It is important to know what to compare to select a policy that matches your needs and travel profile.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Caps on medical, evacuation, or liability claims can leave you insufficiently protected. | Always opt for at least $250,000 for medical and $100,000 for evacuation coverage. |
| 🏦 Deductible | High deductibles mean you pay more out of pocket when making a claim. | Look for plans with a deductible below $100 or even zero, especially for medical claims. |
| 📝 Policy conditions | Some benefits are only valid if purchased right after booking or before departure. | Always check time restrictions for buying cancellation or pre-existing condition coverage. |
| 👴 Traveler’s age | Premiums and exclusions can change if you are over 60 or 70 years old. | Senior travelers should confirm age limits and possible extra charges for full coverage. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveler profile | Needs differ for solo, family, student, or business travel; impacts coverage details. | Confirm family members or business gear are included if relevant for your trip. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies limit coverage to short trips, and won’t protect you beyond 30, 90, or 180 days. | If away long-term, select annual or long-duration travel insurance plans. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Some policies exclude certain regions or offer reduced coverage, especially in the US or Canada. | Verify destination coverage and pay attention to any country-specific exclusions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank card, home, or health insurance may already offer some limited travel protection. | Examine your current protections to avoid paying double for the same benefit. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Adventure sports or risky activities may not be covered unless declared or added. | Always declare all planned sports or high-risk activities before you buy. |
Do my current insurance policies cover international travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card protections or health plans, are enough for international travel, but unfortunately this is rarely the case. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | international travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Emergency care in rare cases, up to $50,000 for some emergencies only. No coverage for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, personal liability. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 for medical and evacuation, as well as trip cancellation, lost luggage, liability and more. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna) | Almost Never | Emergency treatment in some situations, medical coverage often limited to $100,000. No coverage for trip interruption, evacuation, cancellation, lost luggage. | Travel insurance offers extended protection with higher limits, including up to $1,000,000 for emergencies and evacuation, plus cancellation benefits. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Trip accident insurance, baggage delay (limited to $100/day), no medical expense or evacuation. No emergency medical, cancellation, comprehensive repatriation. | Travel insurance provides real medical coverage, up to $1,000,000, repatriation, emergency support and cancellations, which cards never do. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Signature, American Express Gold) | Limited coverage | Trip cancellation up to $10,000, accident coverage $1,000,000, limited baggage loss. No extensive medical, full evacuation, adventure sports, liability. | Travel insurance covers medical emergencies up to $1,000,000 and also includes more guarantees such as medical evacuation, legal and adventure coverage. |
No coverage for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, personal liability.
No coverage for trip interruption, evacuation, cancellation, lost luggage.
No emergency medical, cancellation, comprehensive repatriation.
No extensive medical, full evacuation, adventure sports, liability.
Expert advice
Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, are often excluded from bank card and health insurance contracts. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
In some cases, international travel insurance is mandatory, such as for obtaining visas to countries like Schengen area nations, Cuba or Russia. Many other destinations do not require proof of insurance but it is highly recommended. Even in nearby Canada or Mexico, a medical emergency or lost baggage can result in significant financial loss without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It is best to purchase international travel insurance immediately after booking your trip and paying your first deposit. This timing makes key benefits like trip cancellation coverage effective, and can allow you to qualify for pre-existing medical condition waivers, potentially saving you thousands in case of an unexpected event.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the best coverage. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions to be sure they apply to international travel. Then, submit your application and payment securely online. Following payment, you will receive your insurance certificate, usually within minutes.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase international travel insurance after making your travel arrangements. However, buying soon after booking ensures you access crucial benefits, such as trip cancellation coverage and waivers for pre-existing conditions, which may only apply if purchased within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider quickly, either by phone or via their online portal. Prepare all required documentation, which may include medical bills, police reports, and proof of loss or delay. Submit these documents as instructed and keep copies for your records. Claims are usually reviewed and settled within several weeks.
What should I do if I need emergency medical care abroad?
Contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline as soon as possible if you need emergency care while abroad. They can direct you to approved healthcare facilities, coordinate any necessary medical transport, and provide guidance on documentation to ensure your expenses are covered under your policy.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by international travel insurance?
Many policies exclude or limit coverage for risky sports, such as skiing, diving, or mountain climbing, unless you purchase an optional adventure sports rider. Review your policy carefully or contact your insurer if you plan any hazardous activities, to ensure you are protected in case of accident or injury.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
In some cases, international travel insurance is mandatory, such as for obtaining visas to countries like Schengen area nations, Cuba or Russia. Many other destinations do not require proof of insurance but it is highly recommended. Even in nearby Canada or Mexico, a medical emergency or lost baggage can result in significant financial loss without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It is best to purchase international travel insurance immediately after booking your trip and paying your first deposit. This timing makes key benefits like trip cancellation coverage effective, and can allow you to qualify for pre-existing medical condition waivers, potentially saving you thousands in case of an unexpected event.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the best coverage. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions to be sure they apply to international travel. Then, submit your application and payment securely online. Following payment, you will receive your insurance certificate, usually within minutes.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase international travel insurance after making your travel arrangements. However, buying soon after booking ensures you access crucial benefits, such as trip cancellation coverage and waivers for pre-existing conditions, which may only apply if purchased within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider quickly, either by phone or via their online portal. Prepare all required documentation, which may include medical bills, police reports, and proof of loss or delay. Submit these documents as instructed and keep copies for your records. Claims are usually reviewed and settled within several weeks.
What should I do if I need emergency medical care abroad?
Contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline as soon as possible if you need emergency care while abroad. They can direct you to approved healthcare facilities, coordinate any necessary medical transport, and provide guidance on documentation to ensure your expenses are covered under your policy.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by international travel insurance?
Many policies exclude or limit coverage for risky sports, such as skiing, diving, or mountain climbing, unless you purchase an optional adventure sports rider. Review your policy carefully or contact your insurer if you plan any hazardous activities, to ensure you are protected in case of accident or injury.
