- The best single trip travel insurance plans
- What exactly is single trip travel insurance?
- The price of single trip travel insurance
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right single trip Travel Insurance
- Is single trip travel insurance covered by my existing policies?
- FAQ
Single Trip Travel Insurance: Key Takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific vacation for unforeseen events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $40 and $80, depending on coverage selected.
3. Coverage: Coverage includes medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and domestic health plans like Medicare offer very limited or no international medical coverage.
5. Tips: Compare medical evacuation limits and review the policy's rules for covering pre-existing conditions before buying.
6. Other useful info: Purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit to access pre-existing condition waivers.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best single trip travel insurance.
The best single trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans chosen by HelloSafe for travelers from the US. These options stand out for their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles, and clear, simple terms designed to give reliable protection throughout your trip.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,000,000 | $0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $500,000 | $0 |
|
| Tourist Card | $1,000,000 | $100 |
|
| World Travel | $500,000 | $50 |
|
| Globe Partner | $100,000 | $0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | $500,000 | $0 |
|
- Free medical teleconsultation.
- Luggage protection extended to delays.-No advance payment required for hospitalization.
- Covers trip interruption and connections.
- -Mobile app support.-24/7 phone assistance.
- No advance medical payment needed.
- Flexible coverage for all destinations.
- Simple online purchase.
- Upgrade to “cancel for any reason.”
- Covers family trips.
- Telemedicine included.
- Wide destination acceptance.
- Hotel quarantine covered.
- Psychological support.
- Lost passport help.
- Fast and paperless sign-up.
- Low-cost plans.24/7 multilingual support.
- Digital claims process.
- Long trip coverage up to 12 months.
- Age-based premium does not increase after 60.
- Multiple language assistance.
The best single trip travel insurance depends on your specific needs. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find and subscribe to the plan best suited to you directly online.
What exactly is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance is a temporary policy that covers you for one specific journey, from departure until you return home. It is designed to protect against unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel delays during a single trip.
This type of insurance is ideal for travelers who do not travel frequently and only need coverage for a defined period and route.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing single trip travel insurance is especially important for travelers from the US:
- When traveling outside the US, where your health insurance is limited.
- For expensive trips with high non-refundable costs like tours or flights.
- When taking a cruise, which has unique cancellation and medical risks.
- If your trip includes adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving.
- For travel to remote locations where medical evacuation may be necessary.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition that needs coverage.
The price of single trip travel insurance
On average, single trip travel insurance usually costs between 4 percent and 8 percent of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days in Paris | $900 | $35 to $65 |
| 2 weeks in Thailand | $2,400 | $95 to $180 |
| 3 weeks road trip in the United States | $3,800 | $150 to $270 |
| 1 week Caribbean cruise | $2,100 | $80 to $140 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the more expensive the insurance.
- destination: traveling to countries with high medical costs, like the United States or Japan, results in higher premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers often pay higher prices for coverage.
- level of coverage: choosing a premium plan with higher limits or more services increases the cost.
- selected options: adding coverage for adventure sports, valuable belongings, or cancellation for any reason can raise the price.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance offers temporary protection for one journey, from leaving home to your return. It covers unexpected problems before departure and emergencies while travelling.
It is suitable for travelers who want to safeguard their health, belongings, and finances throughout a specific trip.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Covers non-refundable expenses if you cancel for a covered reason before you leave. | We recommend at least $2,500 cover and a deductible under $100. Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, government restrictions, and decisions to stay home. |
| ? Missed departure | Pays for extra transport if you miss your flight due to delay outside your control. | Look for $300 minimum, with no deductible allowed. Running late, or delays not confirmed in writing, are frequently excluded. |
| ? Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for your lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during the trip. | Select at least $1,500 coverage, with a deductible not over $50. Unattended property, fragile items, and cash are often excluded. |
| ? Travel delay | Fixed payment for significant airline or rail delays during your journey. | Choose $100+ after 6 hours delay and policies without deductibles. Delays under 6 hours or those lacking official confirmation may not be covered. |
| ? Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays urgent treatment costs if you become ill or are injured during your trip. | Minimum $100,000 cover, best with no deductible or max $100. Routine care, chronic illnesses, and certain activities are excluded. |
| ? Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for transport to a suitable hospital or back home if needed. | Opt for unlimited or up to $500,000 cover, with no deductible. Non-urgent evacuations and refusal of evacuation are typically not covered. |
| ? Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment during the trip for pain relief or injury. | At least $300 coverage recommended, no deductible above $30. Planned treatments, cosmetic procedures, and orthodontics are not included. |
| ? Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or property damage you accidentally cause to others during your trip. | Minimum $100,000 cover, deductible under $500. Damage to relatives, rented property, and intentional acts are excluded. |
| ? Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if your checked bag is delayed for several hours upon arrival. | At least $100 after a 12-hour delay. Deductibles are rare in this category. Return journey delays and insufficient documentation are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal fees or bail if you have legal trouble while traveling. | Choose $3,500 for lawyer fees and $7,500 for bail. Cases involving alcohol, drugs, or intentional violations are excluded. |
Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, government restrictions, and decisions to stay home.
Running late, or delays not confirmed in writing, are frequently excluded.
Unattended property, fragile items, and cash are often excluded.
Delays under 6 hours or those lacking official confirmation may not be covered.
Routine care, chronic illnesses, and certain activities are excluded.
Non-urgent evacuations and refusal of evacuation are typically not covered.
Planned treatments, cosmetic procedures, and orthodontics are not included.
Damage to relatives, rented property, and intentional acts are excluded.
Return journey delays and insufficient documentation are not covered.
Cases involving alcohol, drugs, or intentional violations 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 single trip travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
To activate your single trip travel insurance and make your coverage valid, the following conditions usually apply:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving the United States, often within 24 to 72 hours after booking.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of the United States at time of purchase.
- Trip duration limit: your trip must not exceed the maximum length allowed by the policy, for example 30 or 60 days.
- Not yet departed: you must not already be abroad when you purchase the insurance.
- Notification of incident: you must inform the insurer as soon as reasonably possible in case of illness, theft, or accident.
- Proof of claim: you must provide documentation, such as receipts, medical records, or police reports, when making a claim.
- Covered destinations: your trip must not include countries with active US travel warnings or exclusions listed in the policy.
- Legal compliance: you must comply with any state insurance regulations specific to your state of residence.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding is timing. Many buy insurance just before leaving, but to cover pre-existing conditions or access "Cancel for Any Reason" benefits, you must purchase your policy shortly after your first trip payment. Waiting too long means losing access to these essential protections.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
When travelling abroad, even a minor illness or accident can lead to unexpectedly high expenses. The costs of emergency care, hospitalization, or treatment can far exceed the price of your trip.
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% of actual expenses |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually up to 100% |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to plan limits |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Commonly up to 100% |
- Europe: $200 to $400
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $100 to $300
- Europe: $150 to $350
- North America: $600 to $1,200
- Asia: $80 to $250
- Europe: $100 to $250
- North America: $400 to $800
- Asia: $50 to $150
- Europe: $200 to $500
- North America: $800 to $1,800
- Asia: $100 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.
Besides medical costs, single trip travel insurance often covers other important risks: trip cancellation and interruption, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, repatriation assistance, and 24/7 emergency support.
Good to know
Your domestic health plan likely won't cover you abroad. A simple accident could lead to thousands in medical bills. Protect your trip with coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage. Some insurers, like Chapka, even pay hospitals directly, saving you from huge upfront costs.
How to Choose the Right single trip Travel Insurance
Coverage and reimbursement limits for single trip travel insurance can differ from one plan to another, as can deductibles and claim conditions. That’s why it is important to compare key features, based on your own travel needs and risks.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Reimbursement limits | Caps the amount you can claim for medical, cancellation, or baggage losses | Always select at least $100,000 in medical coverage when traveling outside the United States |
| ? Deductible | The out-of-pocket amount per claim before your insurance covers the rest | Look for plans with a low deductible, especially for emergency medical expenses |
| ? Policy conditions | Determines when and how coverage starts or applies | Review activation rules and choose coverage that is effective from the day you depart |
| ? Traveller’s age | Premiums and coverage can change for travelers over certain ages | Some insurers add exclusions over age 65, so check age limits and terms before buying |
| ? Traveller profile | Needs vary for solo, family, group, or business travelers | Select a policy that matches your travel party (e.g., family, children) for complete protection |
| ? Trip duration | Most policies only cover trips up to 30, 60, or 90 days | Make sure your planned trip is entirely within your policy duration limit |
| ? Geographic area | Coverage and rates differ according to world region | Confirm your destination is included, especially if traveling to Canada, Asia, or Africa |
| ?️ Existing coverage | Your credit card or health plan may already offer some travel protections | Compare included and excluded benefits to avoid double-paying or gaps in coverage |
| ? Planned activities | Some riskier sports are not covered in basic plans | If you intend to ski, scuba dive, or do adventure sports, make sure your plan explicitly covers it |
Is single trip travel insurance covered by my existing policies?
It is legitimate to wonder whether your current insurances such as credit card coverage or public health insurance can replace a dedicated single trip travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | Never | Only emergency healthcare in the US, abroad is not covered. No coverage for emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage, or personal liability. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to $1,000,000 for emergency care and covers cancellation, evacuation, and lost baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna) | Almost Never | May cover some overseas emergencies, often capped at $50,000. No trip interruption, evacuation, cancellation, or personal liability. | Travel insurance offers up to $1,000,000 and adds guarantees like trip cancellation, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Almost Never | May include trip delay or lost baggage, but medical and cancellation are usually capped at $5,000. No full emergency medical, evacuation, or high coverage limits. | Travel insurance provides $50,000-$1,000,000 and covers medical emergencies, personal liability, and high-value cancellations. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire, Amex Gold) | Limited coverage | Includes some trip cancellation and baggage up to $10,000, but no major medical or evacuation. No personal liability, adventure sports, or full medical repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 and extends protection to medical, personal accident, and specialized travel risks. |
No coverage for emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage, or personal liability.
No trip interruption, evacuation, cancellation, or personal liability.
No full emergency medical, evacuation, or high coverage limits.
No personal liability, adventure sports, or full medical repatriation.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance may not cover trip interruption for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is required for entry into certain countries, such as Cuba or Schengen states in Europe, where proof of insurance is necessary for a visa. In most cases, it is not legally mandatory for US travelers, but it is highly recommended. For example, if you suffer a medical emergency while vacationing abroad, having insurance can save you from thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
The best time to purchase single trip travel insurance is immediately after making your first trip payment, like booking flights or accommodations. Buying early ensures you are protected against unexpected events, such as trip cancellations or health emergencies, before your departure. Many policies offer enhanced benefits, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, if bought within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare plans by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on conditions specific to single trip coverage and key benefits like medical limits and cancel-for-any-reason options. Then, purchase your chosen policy online. Finally, you'll immediately receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and visa applications.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is always better to buy as soon as possible. Early purchase protects you from trip cancellations that might occur before departure and may offer benefits like coverage for pre-existing conditions. Insurance bought later will still cover you during your travels but could miss key pre-departure protections.
How do I make a claim on my single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather all documentation related to the incident, such as medical bills or police reports. Contact your insurer as soon as possible through their emergency assistance number or claims portal. Submit the required paperwork—many insurers now accept digital uploads—along with completed claim forms. Keep copies of everything and follow up on your claim’s progress for quick resolution.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking at high altitude is often excluded from standard single trip travel insurance. If you plan to participate in such activities, check the policy terms or look for insurers who offer adventure sports add-ons. These optional upgrades can provide important protection against injuries or accidents during adventurous activities.
Does my health insurance cover emergencies abroad instead of single trip travel insurance?
Most US health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer little or no coverage for medical emergencies outside the country. Even private health plans tend to limit overseas benefits and rarely include medical evacuation. Single trip travel insurance is designed to fill these gaps by offering robust medical, evacuation, and support services tailored to international travelers.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is required for entry into certain countries, such as Cuba or Schengen states in Europe, where proof of insurance is necessary for a visa. In most cases, it is not legally mandatory for US travelers, but it is highly recommended. For example, if you suffer a medical emergency while vacationing abroad, having insurance can save you from thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
The best time to purchase single trip travel insurance is immediately after making your first trip payment, like booking flights or accommodations. Buying early ensures you are protected against unexpected events, such as trip cancellations or health emergencies, before your departure. Many policies offer enhanced benefits, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, if bought within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare plans by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on conditions specific to single trip coverage and key benefits like medical limits and cancel-for-any-reason options. Then, purchase your chosen policy online. Finally, you'll immediately receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and visa applications.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is always better to buy as soon as possible. Early purchase protects you from trip cancellations that might occur before departure and may offer benefits like coverage for pre-existing conditions. Insurance bought later will still cover you during your travels but could miss key pre-departure protections.
How do I make a claim on my single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather all documentation related to the incident, such as medical bills or police reports. Contact your insurer as soon as possible through their emergency assistance number or claims portal. Submit the required paperwork—many insurers now accept digital uploads—along with completed claim forms. Keep copies of everything and follow up on your claim’s progress for quick resolution.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking at high altitude is often excluded from standard single trip travel insurance. If you plan to participate in such activities, check the policy terms or look for insurers who offer adventure sports add-ons. These optional upgrades can provide important protection against injuries or accidents during adventurous activities.
Does my health insurance cover emergencies abroad instead of single trip travel insurance?
Most US health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer little or no coverage for medical emergencies outside the country. Even private health plans tend to limit overseas benefits and rarely include medical evacuation. Single trip travel insurance is designed to fill these gaps by offering robust medical, evacuation, and support services tailored to international travelers.
