Traveling abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some risks and uncertainties.
You never know when you might face an unexpected situation, such as a flight cancellation, a medical emergency, a lost passport, or a theft.
That’s why it’s important to have travel insurance that can protect you from these potential losses and give you peace of mind.
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers you for various expenses and liabilities that may arise during your trip. Depending on the policy, it may cover things like:
- Trip cancellation, interruption, or delay
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
- Baggage loss, damage, or delay
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Personal liability and legal assistance
However, not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Some may offer more comprehensive coverage than others, while some may have more exclusions and limitations. Some may also have different prices and benefits depending on your destination, duration, and activities.
So how do you choose the best travel insurance for your international trip? In this article, we will review the top 5 travel insurance companies for international tours in 2023, based on their coverage, cost, customer service, and reputation. We will also discuss the factors to consider when choosing travel insurance, and how to find the best policy for your needs.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Companies for International Tours
Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international tours in 2023:
1. Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the largest and most trusted travel insurance providers in the world. They offer a wide range of plans for different types of travelers, from budget-friendly to premium options. They also have a global network of 24/7 assistance centers, doctors, hospitals, and other service providers.
Some of the benefits of Allianz Travel Insurance are:
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, emergency transportation, baggage loss or delay, and more
- Flexible plans that can be customized to suit your needs and preferences
- Generous limits and benefits for medical expenses and emergency transportation
- No deductibles or co-pays for most benefits
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for children under 17 at no extra cost when traveling with a parent or grandparent
- Coverage for rental car damage or theft if you buy the Rental Car Damage Protector plan
- Coverage for sports and adventure activities if you buy the Adventure Plus Pak add-on
- 10-day free look period to cancel your plan for a full refund if you are not satisfied
Allianz Travel Insurance has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best. They also have positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
The cost of Allianz Travel Insurance depends on various factors, such as your age, destination, trip duration, trip cost, and plan type. You can get a free quote on their website or by calling their toll-free number.
2. Travelex: Best for Families
Travelex is another leading travel insurance company that offers comprehensive and affordable plans for families traveling abroad. They have over 55 years of experience in the travel industry and have partnered with some of the world’s best airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel agents.
Some of the benefits of Travelex are:
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage loss or delay, and more
- Family-friendly plans that cover children under 18 at no extra cost when traveling with an insured adult
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 21 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for trip cancellation due to financial default of your travel supplier if you buy your plan within 21 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for sports and adventure activities if you buy the Adventure Sports Coverage add-on
- Coverage for canceling or interrupting your trip for any reason if you buy the Cancel For Any Reason add-on (only available on select plans)
- 15-day free look period to cancel your plan for a full refund if you are not satisfied
Travelex has an A+ rating from the BBB and an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best. They also have positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
The cost of Travelex depends on various factors, such as your age, destination, trip duration, trip cost, and plan type. You can get a free quote on their website or by calling their toll-free number.
3. Berkshire Hathaway: Best for Cruises
Berkshire Hathaway is a well-known and respected name in the insurance industry. They offer travel insurance plans specifically designed for cruise travelers, under the brand name WaveCare. WaveCare is backed by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, which has an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.
Some of the benefits of WaveCare are:
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage loss or delay, and more
- High limits and benefits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for trip cancellation due to financial default of your cruise line if you buy your plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for missed cruise connections due to flight delays or cancellations
- Coverage for cruise change fees and port fees if your cruise itinerary changes
- Coverage for canceling or interrupting your trip for any reason if you buy the Cancel For Any Reason add-on (only available on select plans)
- 10-day free look period to cancel your plan for a full refund if you are not satisfied
WaveCare has an A+ rating from the BBB and positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
The cost of WaveCare depends on various factors, such as your age, destination, trip duration, trip cost, and plan type. You can get a free quote on their website or by calling their toll-free number.
4. Seven Corners: Best for Long-term Travel
Seven Corners is a travel insurance company that specializes in long-term travel plans for expatriates, students, volunteers, and digital nomads. They have over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and have served millions of customers in over 200 countries.
Some of the benefits of Seven Corners are:
- Long-term coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, personal liability, and more
- Flexible plans that can be renewed or canceled at any time
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 20 days of your initial trip deposit
- Coverage for sports and adventure activities if you buy the Sports Rider add-on
- Coverage for COVID-19-related expenses if you buy the Liaison Travel Plus plan
- 24/7 multilingual customer service and assistance
- Access to a network of doctors and hospitals around the world
Seven Corners has an A+ rating from the BBB and positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
The cost of Seven Corners depends on various factors, such as your age, destination, trip duration, medical coverage limit, deductible, and plan type. You can get a free quote on their website or by calling their toll-free number.
5. World Nomads: Best for Adventure Travel
World Nomads is a travel insurance company that caters to adventurous travelers who want to explore the world and experience different cultures. They have over 20 years of experience in the travel industry and have partnered with some of the world’s best travel brands, such as Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Intrepid Travel.
Some of the benefits of World Nomads are:
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage loss or damage, and more
- Coverage for over 200 sports and adventure activities, including skiing, surfing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and more
- Coverage for COVID-19-related expenses if you buy the Explorer plan
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit
- Flexible plans that can be bought or extended online while traveling
- 24/7 multilingual customer service and assistance
- Access to a community of travelers who share tips, stories, and advice
- Access to travel safety guides and resources
World Nomads has an A+ rating from the BBB and positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
The cost of World Nomads depends on various factors, such as your age, destination, trip duration, trip cost, and plan type. You can get a free quote on their website or by calling their toll-free number.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. Different travelers have different needs and preferences when it comes to travel insurance. Therefore, it’s important to consider some factors before buying a travel insurance policy. Some of these factors are:
Types of Coverage
Travel insurance policies may offer different types of coverage depending on the plan. Some of the most common types of coverage are:
- Trip cancellation: This covers you for the non-refundable prepaid expenses of your trip if you have to cancel it due to a covered reason. Some common covered reasons are illness or injury of yourself or a family member, death of a family member or travel companion, natural disaster at your destination or home, terrorism at your destination or home, jury duty or subpoena, etc.
- Trip interruption: This covers you for the unused portion of your prepaid expenses and the additional transportation costs if you have to interrupt or cut short your trip due to a covered reason. Some common covered reasons are the same as trip cancellation, plus injury or illness of a travel companion, missed connection due to a flight delay or cancellation, hijacking, quarantine, etc.
- Trip delay: This covers you for the reasonable additional expenses, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation, if your trip is delayed for more than a specified period (usually 6 to 12 hours) due to a covered reason. Some common covered reasons are flight delay or cancellation, lost or stolen passport or travel documents, natural disaster, terrorism, etc.
- Medical expenses: This covers the medical and dental expenses that you incur during your trip due to an illness or injury. This may include hospitalization, surgery, medication, ambulance, etc. Some policies may also cover emergency dental treatment for pain relief.
- Emergency evacuation: This covers transportation costs to the nearest medical facility or your home country if you need urgent medical care during your trip. This may include air ambulance, helicopter, or ground transportation. Some policies may also cover the repatriation of remains in case of death.
- Baggage loss or delay: This covers you for the loss, damage, or delay of your checked or carry-on baggage during your trip. This may include reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your items, or for purchasing essential items if your baggage is delayed for more than a specified period (usually 12 to 24 hours).
- Accidental death and dismemberment: This covers you for the accidental death or loss of limb or sight that occurs during your trip. This may include a lump sum payment or a percentage of the benefit depending on the severity of the injury.
- Personal liability and legal assistance: This covers you for the legal liability and expenses that you incur if you cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party during your trip. This may include legal fees, court costs, settlements, etc. Some policies may also cover legal assistance if you are arrested or detained by authorities during your trip.
What is Covered and What is not Covered?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing travel insurance is what is covered and what is not covered by the policy.
Different policies may have different inclusions and exclusions, depending on the plan type, provider, and destination. Therefore, it’s essential to read the policy wording carefully and understand the terms and conditions before buying a travel insurance policy.
Some of the common things that are usually covered by travel insurance are:
- Trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage loss or delay, accidental death and dismemberment, personal liability and legal assistance, as mentioned above
- Travel assistance services, such as 24/7 hotline, concierge, translation, etc.
- Travel rewards or loyalty program points that are lost due to trip cancellation or interruption
- Change fees or rebooking fees that are charged by airlines or other travel suppliers due to trip cancellation or interruption
Some of the common things that are usually not covered by travel insurance are:
- Trip cancellation or interruption due to a change of mind, personal reasons, or non-covered events
- Medical expenses that are related to pre-existing medical conditions that are not disclosed or covered by the policy
- Medical expenses that are incurred in a country or region that is excluded by the policy or advised against by the government
- Medical expenses that are related to elective or cosmetic procedures, routine check-ups, vaccinations, etc.
- Medical expenses that are related to mental or nervous disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide or self-harm, etc.
- Emergency evacuation that is not authorized or arranged by the travel insurance provider
- Baggage loss or damage that is caused by normal wear and tear, depreciation, moth or vermin, etc.
- Baggage loss or damage that is not reported to the relevant authority within a specified period (usually 24 hours)
- Baggage loss or damage that is related to fragile or valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, cameras, etc., unless they are declared and insured separately
- Accidental death and dismemberment that is caused by war, civil unrest, terrorism, nuclear radiation, etc.
- Accidental death and dismemberment that is caused by participating in high-risk sports or activities, such as skydiving, mountaineering, racing, etc., unless they are covered by the policy
- Personal liability and legal assistance that is related to intentional or criminal acts, contractual disputes, business activities, etc.
These are just some examples of what may be covered and what may not be covered by travel insurance. The actual coverage and exclusions may vary depending on the specific policy and provider. Therefore, it’s important to read the policy wording carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts.
Cost of the Insurance
Another factor to consider when choosing travel insurance is the cost of the insurance. The cost of travel insurance depends on various factors, such as:
- Your age: Older travelers may pay more for travel insurance than younger travelers because they have a higher risk of medical issues.
- Your destination: Traveling to a more expensive or risky destination may increase the cost of travel insurance because it may entail higher medical costs or higher chances of trip cancellation or interruption.
- Your trip duration: Traveling for a longer period may increase the cost of travel insurance because it may expose you to more risks and uncertainties.
- Your trip cost: Traveling with a higher trip cost may increase the cost of travel insurance because it may increase the amount of coverage you need for trip cancellation or interruption.
- Your plan type: Choosing a more comprehensive plan may increase the cost of travel insurance because it may offer more benefits and coverage than a basic plan.
- Your add-ons: Choosing optional add-ons may increase the cost of travel insurance because they may provide additional coverage for specific situations or activities.
The cost of travel insurance may vary depending on the provider and policy. Therefore, it’s advisable to compare different quotes and plans before buying a travel insurance policy.
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Needs?
Choosing the best travel insurance for your needs can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider and many options to choose from. However, you can follow some simple steps to make the process easier and more effective. Here are some tips on how to choose the best travel insurance for your needs:
Assessing Your Travel Needs
The first step in choosing the best travel insurance for your needs is to assess your travel needs. You need to ask yourself some questions about your trip, such as:
- Where are you going?
- How long are you going for?
- How much are you spending on your trip?
- What activities are you planning to do?
- What risks are you willing to take?
These questions will help you determine what type of coverage and benefits you need from your travel insurance policy. For example:
- If you are traveling to a remote or unstable destination, you may need more coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- If you are traveling for a long time, you may need more coverage for trip interruption or delay.
- If you are traveling with a high trip cost, you may need more coverage for trip cancellation or interruption.
- If you are planning to do some sports or adventure activities, you may need more coverage for accidental death and dismemberment or personal liability.
Comparing Coverage and Prices
The next step in choosing the best travel insurance for your needs is to compare different coverage and prices. You need to look at different plans and providers and see what they offer in terms of coverage, benefits, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and prices. You need to find a balance between the coverage and the cost of the insurance. You don’t want to pay too much for something you don’t need, but you also don’t want to pay too little for something you do need.
Reading Reviews and Customer Experiences
The third step in choosing the best travel insurance for your needs is to read reviews and customer experiences. You need to check what other travelers have to say about their experiences with different travel insurance providers and policies. You can learn from their feedback and insights about the quality of service, the ease of claim process, the responsiveness of customer support, etc.
You can use online platforms like Trustpilot or Consumer Affairs to read reviews and ratings of different travel insurance providers and policies. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter to see what people are talking about travel insurance. You can also join online forums or communities like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet to ask questions and get advice from other travelers.
Seeking Recommendations
The final step in choosing the best travel insurance for your needs is to seek recommendations. You can ask your friends, family, colleagues, or travel agents for their suggestions and opinions on travel insurance. You can also ask experts or professionals in the travel industry for their recommendations and advice on travel insurance.
Seeking recommendations can help you get some insights and perspectives from people who have experience or knowledge on travel insurance. However, you should also do your own research and analysis before making a final decision. You should not rely solely on recommendations without verifying them yourself.
