- The best short term travel insurance plans
- What is short term travel insurance?
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What does short term travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of short term travel insurance
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right short term travel insurance
- Does my existing insurance cover short term travel insurance?
- FAQ
short term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short-term travel insurance covers single trips for unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
2. Price: A one-week policy for a US traveler in Europe typically costs between $40 and $80.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and health plans like Medicare offer little to no international medical or cancellation coverage.
5. Tips: Compare medical and evacuation limits; ensure they are adequate for your destination's healthcare costs.
6. Other useful info: Many countries now require proof of travel insurance with specific minimum coverage for entry.
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 here everything you need to know to choose the best short-term travel insurance.
The best short term travel insurance plans
These insurers are among the best for short term travel insurance due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M USD | None mentioned |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M USD | None mentioned |
|
| Tourist Card | 0.5M USD | 33 USD, 66 USD for US/Canada |
|
| World Travel | 0.7M USD (USA/Canada), 0.3M USD (others) | 55 USD per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.3M USD | None mentioned |
|
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M USD | None mentioned |
|
- Suitable for all destinations.
- Online claims process.
- Extensive telemedicine network.
- Assistance available worldwide 24/7.
- Mobile app for doctor access.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Hotel and pet care in emergencies.
- No premium increase based on age.
- Quick claim refunds.
- Trip cancellation included.
- Support tailored to digital nomads.
- Legal assistance available.
- Quarantine hotel coverage.
- Psychological support included.
- Lost passport help.
- Political evacuation benefit.
- Affordable for travelers under 40.
- Paperless application.
- Email claim tracking.
- Covers trips up to 12 months.
- Stable premium after age 60.
- Multilingual assistance available.
The best short term travel insurance depends on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find yours and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is short term travel insurance?
Short term travel insurance is temporary coverage designed to protect travelers during trips typically lasting one day to six months. It covers unexpected events that occur abroad, such as emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays.
This insurance is purchased for individual trips, offering focused protection at a lower cost compared to annual policies.
Short term travel insurance is also called "temporary travel insurance" or "trip-specific insurance" in the US.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the US:
- When traveling abroad, as US health plans offer limited coverage.
- If you have significant non-refundable trip costs like flights or tours.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs.
- When taking a cruise, especially in international waters.
- For adventure travel or visiting remote destinations.
- When you have a pre-existing medical condition, even if stable.
- If your credit card insurance lacks medical or evacuation coverage.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Mexico (4 days) | $800 | $32 to $64 |
| One week in France | $2,000 | $80 to $160 |
| Two weeks exploring Japan | $3,000 | $120 to $240 |
| Three weeks touring Southeast Asia | $4,500 | $180 to $360 |
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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips usually mean higher insurance costs.
- destination: medical costs and local risks at your destination can raise premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers often pay more for coverage.
- coverage level: choosing a premium plan with higher limits increases the price.
- extra options: covering adventure sports, electronics, or cancellation adds to the cost.
What does short term travel insurance cover?
Short term travel insurance covers you during specific trips and protects against emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage, and unexpected expenses.
It is designed to cover medical emergencies, disruptions, and unforeseen events that may happen while you are away from home.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid expenses if you cancel for a covered emergency before departure. | We recommend at least $2,000 cover per trip and no deductible over $50. Cancellations for work, pre-existing conditions, or change of mind are excluded. |
| 🛬 Missed connection | Covers extra transportation costs if you miss a flight or transport due to valid delay. | Minimum $300 coverage required, deductible should be $0. Missing your flight by arriving late or without documentation is not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss/theft | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged bags during your journey. | Minimum $1,000 cover, deductible no higher than $30. Unattended bags, electronics over single-item limits, and business items are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides payments for long transportation delays, including meals and accommodation. | At least $100 after a 6-hour delay and no deductible. Delays under 6 hours and unverified causes are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent care if you get sick or injured while abroad. | At least $250K coverage, no deductible over $50. Routine, experimental, and preventive treatments, plus long-term conditions, are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers transport to the nearest adequate hospital or back home if needed. | This should be unlimited or a minimum of $500K, arranged by the insurer. Elective returns, minor illnesses, or claim refusals by the insurer are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for sudden dental pain relief or urgent dental care while travelling. | Minimum $200, avoid plans with deductibles exceeding $30. Cosmetic care, orthodontics, or planned treatment are excluded. |
| 🧑⚖️ Personal liability | Pays legal costs and damages if you injure someone or cause property damage abroad. | Minimum $100K cover, deductible under $100. Damages within your family, to rented vehicles, or arising from illegal acts are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage delay | Pays for essentials if your checked bag is delayed for a certain number of hours. | Look for at least $150 coverage after a 24-hour delay, no deductible. Delays for return trips or lack of airline documentation are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Covers lawyer fees or bail if you face legal issues while abroad. | $3,000 for legal costs and $7,500 for bail is advised. Acts under alcohol, fraud, or crime, and fines are excluded. |
Cancellations for work, pre-existing conditions, or change of mind are excluded.
Missing your flight by arriving late or without documentation is not covered.
Unattended bags, electronics over single-item limits, and business items are often excluded.
Delays under 6 hours and unverified causes are not covered.
Routine, experimental, and preventive treatments, plus long-term conditions, are excluded.
Elective returns, minor illnesses, or claim refusals by the insurer are excluded.
Cosmetic care, orthodontics, or planned treatment are excluded.
Damages within your family, to rented vehicles, or arising from illegal acts are excluded.
Delays for return trips or lack of airline documentation are excluded.
Acts under alcohol, fraud, or crime, and fines are 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 short term travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of short term travel insurance
Short term travel insurance is valid only if certain conditions are met during your trip from the United States.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before departure, often within days of booking your trip.
- US residency: you must be a legal resident of the United States when you apply for coverage.
- Trip length compliance: the duration of your trip should not exceed the maximum allowed by the policy, usually 90 days.
- Travel status at purchase: you must not already be traveling or abroad when you buy short term travel insurance.
- Covered destinations: your destination must not be listed as restricted or advised against by the US Department of State.
- Incident reporting: you must report covered claims, such as medical emergencies or cancellations, to the insurer as soon as possible.
- Supporting documentation: you must provide original receipts and official documents for all claims or reimbursements.
- Minimum age: travelers must usually be at least 18 years old to buy short term coverage independently.
Watch out!
A common pitfall is relying solely on credit card insurance. These plans often cover trip cancellation but typically lack crucial emergency medical or evacuation coverage. For comprehensive protection against high medical bills abroad, a dedicated short-term travel insurance policy is essential.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
While traveling, even a minor health issue can quickly lead to high expenses abroad. Without insurance, these costs are your responsibility and may exceed your travel budget.
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%, often from the first dollar |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, subject to policy limits |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, less deductible if any |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, usually up to policy limit |
- Europe: $350 to $600
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $150 to $400
- Europe: $200 to $450
- North America: $500 to $1,200
- Asia: $100 to $300
- Europe: $180 to $350
- North America: $400 to $800
- Asia: $80 to $250
- Europe: $300 to $600
- North America: $600 to $1,200
- Asia: $150 to $400
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 covering medical expenses, short term travel insurance can also include trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance services.
Good to know
Your US health insurance often stops at the border. An accident abroad can lead to crippling debt. Secure comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage. Providers like AVA Assurances can offer upfront payment guarantees, protecting your health and savings on your next trip.
How to choose the right short term travel insurance
Coverage such as reimbursement amounts, deductibles, and exclusions can differ widely between short term travel insurance plans. To choose the best policy, you need to know which criteria to compare based on your trip and personal situation.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | High limits protect you from large out-of-pocket costs if a serious incident happens. | Always verify emergency medical limits and choose at least $100,000 for trips outside the US. |
| 📉 Deductible | A low deductible minimizes your share of costs if you make a claim. | Select plans with low or no deductibles for medical care, especially in high-cost destinations. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some coverages apply only if you buy the plan at a certain time. | Purchase soon after booking to access trip cancellation and pre-existing condition waivers. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Older travelers may face higher rates or exclusions. | Confirm age limits and senior coverage to ensure your chosen plan meets your needs. |
| 👪 Traveller profile | Families, solo travelers, and business travelers have different needs. | Look for plans matching your group type to cover everyone appropriately. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Coverage length can affect eligibility and price. | Choose coverage for your full trip, with buffer days in case of return delays or changes. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Not all policies cover every region, and costs differ. | Make sure all your destinations are included, especially if traveling outside North America. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Overlaps with credit card or employer benefits affect your insurance needs. | Check what you already have so you do not double-pay for similar coverage. |
| ⚽ Planned activities | Risky or adventure activities may be excluded by default. | Declare activities like skiing or scuba diving and select plans with sports coverage if needed. |
Does my existing insurance cover short term travel insurance?
It is normal to wonder if existing coverage, like credit card insurance or public health insurance, is sufficient for short term travel insurance. However, these options nearly always leave gaps in essential protections for travelers.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Covers only some emergency care, up to $50,000 lifetime, and usually not internationally. Does not cover: medical repatriation, baggage loss, trip cancellation, 24/7 assistance. | Travel insurance often covers up to $1,000,000 for medical and repatriation, plus trip cancellation and lost baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna) | Almost Never | May cover emergencies, varying by plan, with limits of $10,000–$100,000. Does not cover: trip cancellation, baggage loss, extensive evacuation or worldwide assistance. | Travel insurance provides up to $1,000,000, extending to evacuation, baggage, delays, and assistance in all countries. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Covers basic incidents, typically only accidents on public transport, max $10,000. Does not cover: medical care abroad, evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, liability. | Travel insurance gives up to $1,000,000 for medical, evacuation, and baggage, with broader and primary guarantees. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold) | Limited coverage | Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage: $10,000 and $3,000 max. Does not cover: routine or emergency medical, evacuation over $10,000, unlimited assistance, liability, adventure sports. | Travel insurance grants up to $1,000,000 for medical, evacuation, and all-risk trip protection often missed by cards. |
Does not cover: medical repatriation, baggage loss, trip cancellation, 24/7 assistance.
Does not cover: trip cancellation, baggage loss, extensive evacuation or worldwide assistance.
Does not cover: medical care abroad, evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, liability.
Does not cover: routine or emergency medical, evacuation over $10,000, unlimited assistance, liability, adventure sports.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often excludes key situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Read the fine print carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory when visiting certain countries that require proof of coverage for visa issuance, such as Schengen countries or Cuba. In the United States, it is not mandatory for citizens traveling abroad, but it is strongly recommended. Even a short trip to Canada or Mexico could result in significant medical costs, making insurance crucial if an emergency arises.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
The best practice is to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and before making any non-refundable payments. This ensures coverage begins immediately for unforeseen events before departure, like illness or cancellation. Early purchase also locks in benefits, including protection for deposits and prepaid expenses, which may otherwise be unrecoverable.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
1/ Compare plans by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best fit.2/ Check guarantees and exclusions, paying attention to conditions specific to short term coverage.3/ Purchase online through the provider’s secure portal.4/ Receive the certificate immediately by email for use at borders, embassies, or in case of emergency.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance after you have booked your trip. However, to ensure coverage for trip cancellation and other pre-departure risks, it is best to buy your policy soon after booking. Waiting until just before departure may exclude protection for already known issues or pre-existing events.
How do I make a claim under short term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency or claims assistance number as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Gather necessary documents, such as medical bills, travel confirmations, and proof of payment. Submit your claim online or by mail according to your insurer’s process, and keep copies for your records. Insurers typically process claims in a few weeks.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19 related incidents?
Many short term travel insurance providers now include some level of coverage for COVID-19 related situations. This can include medical expenses for treatment abroad, trip cancellation due to a positive test, and additional accommodation costs for quarantine. Always verify the specific COVID-19 coverage details before purchasing, as benefits and exclusions can vary.
Is short term travel insurance valid for multiple trips?
Standard short term travel insurance usually covers a single trip only, from departure to return on set dates. If you need coverage for several trips within a year, consider an annual multi-trip policy instead. Always check your policy to confirm whether it is valid for more than one journey or requires separate purchases for each trip.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory when visiting certain countries that require proof of coverage for visa issuance, such as Schengen countries or Cuba. In the United States, it is not mandatory for citizens traveling abroad, but it is strongly recommended. Even a short trip to Canada or Mexico could result in significant medical costs, making insurance crucial if an emergency arises.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
The best practice is to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and before making any non-refundable payments. This ensures coverage begins immediately for unforeseen events before departure, like illness or cancellation. Early purchase also locks in benefits, including protection for deposits and prepaid expenses, which may otherwise be unrecoverable.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
1/ Compare plans by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best fit.2/ Check guarantees and exclusions, paying attention to conditions specific to short term coverage.3/ Purchase online through the provider’s secure portal.4/ Receive the certificate immediately by email for use at borders, embassies, or in case of emergency.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance after you have booked your trip. However, to ensure coverage for trip cancellation and other pre-departure risks, it is best to buy your policy soon after booking. Waiting until just before departure may exclude protection for already known issues or pre-existing events.
How do I make a claim under short term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency or claims assistance number as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Gather necessary documents, such as medical bills, travel confirmations, and proof of payment. Submit your claim online or by mail according to your insurer’s process, and keep copies for your records. Insurers typically process claims in a few weeks.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19 related incidents?
Many short term travel insurance providers now include some level of coverage for COVID-19 related situations. This can include medical expenses for treatment abroad, trip cancellation due to a positive test, and additional accommodation costs for quarantine. Always verify the specific COVID-19 coverage details before purchasing, as benefits and exclusions can vary.
Is short term travel insurance valid for multiple trips?
Standard short term travel insurance usually covers a single trip only, from departure to return on set dates. If you need coverage for several trips within a year, consider an annual multi-trip policy instead. Always check your policy to confirm whether it is valid for more than one journey or requires separate purchases for each trip.
