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Hawaii Travel Insurance: Do You REALLY Need It?

Are you planning a trip to hawaii and have questions about hawaii travel insurance get all the info and find out whether or not you actually need it for your hawaii vacation, this post about hawaii travel insurance was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

You’re finally booking your dream vacation to Hawaii. You’ve saved up, planned the trip, and now all you need is to pull the trigger and lay down some serious cash. 

While Hawaii is known for its beauty, it is also known for being one of the more expensive vacation destinations, and what if something happens and you aren’t able to go?

Do you just lose out on the thousands of dollars you just spent, or should you suck it up and purchase travel insurance? Do you really need it?

With the current events going on in the world today, the answer is a resounding yes! 

Traveling without the right coverage could lose you everything in the event that your plans change. While no one likes the idea of dumping money into an insurance company, I absolutely encourage you or anyone else planning a trip to get travel insurance, especially to Hawaii. Keep in mind; you don’t need it until you NEED it! 

This blog post will discuss how travel insurance works and why it’s worth it for most people. We’ll also review Allianz , which in my opinion is one of the best companies for travel insurance.

I use them personally for every single flight, and they’re fantastic!

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Planning a Trip to Hawaii FAQs

A trip to Hawaii can really vary in cost. It depends on how many kids/adults are going, where you stay, how long your trip is, and what you do. That said, a one-week trip to Hawaii for a family of four will usually run about $8,000. That includes airfare, hotel, food, and a few activities. You can see how I came up with that number HERE .

First, narrow down which island(s) you want to visit and book your airfare, hotel, and rental car. Then, do a little research to find a few activities you want to do, places to see, and tasty food options. From there, you can come up with an itinerary based on locations. It’s also important to learn a bit about Hawaiian culture and history, and learn a few key Hawaiian words so you can be a respectful traveler.

I usually recommend a minimum of 7-10 days for a Hawaii vacation. That gives some flexibility on travel times and options to do some activities and have time to relax. If you plan on island hopping, please allow 5-7 days per island.

Why Has Travel Insurance Become So Popular?

The pandemic has changed a lot about the way we book, travel, and plan getaways. It has also changed our views on travel insurance. Travel insurance is gaining popularity due to this new focus on health and health-related concerns.

Travel insurance helps if you have to cancel for covered reasons relating to health emergencies or COVID-related circumstances. It can offer you covered medical and dental benefits on your trips. Medical evacuations are covered in the case of an emergency, as well as many other accidents and unforeseen inconveniences.

What are the benefits of travel insurance?

There are many benefits to using travel insurance. A few benefits include: covering missing bags, health emergencies, stolen goods, and even cancellations of your much-anticipated trip.

Travel insurance can also help you and your family offset the cost of flight delays or other inconveniences that affect your trip itinerary. There are even options to cover multiple family members or include everyone in your travel party so that everyone has peace of mind during your trip. 

This is especially helpful if you are traveling with multi-generational families, as it can cover health emergencies for young children, teenagers, and grandparents who are accompanying you.

Travel insurance gives you and your family peace of mind when traveling. Plus it offers 24-hour assistance with any problems you may encounter on your journey to and back home from your destination.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Hawaii?

While it is not a requirement to get travel insurance to take a vacation to Hawaii, it is highly recommended.

It is incredibly beneficial for you and those accompanying you on the trip if you do get it. Travel insurance can help in the event that your vacation rental gets flooded or is affected by any other natural disaster. Hint: Hawaii does have tropical storms and hurricanes.

Since the Hawaiian islands are close to volcanoes , oceans, and battered by the sea, constant erosion and natural weathering processes are a real concern. Travel Insurance will protect you and your stuff in the unlikely event of a natural disaster.

Hawaii also still has COVID protocols in place. So if you or a member of your party, unfortunately, tests positive, then there are options to cover your trip cancellation for that and similar reasons.

Is Travel Insurance for Hawaii Worth It Overall?

Travel insurance for Hawaii is absolutely worth it in the overall grand scheme of your trip. Travel insurance can cover you from the booking stages by helping to refund you if your trip gets canceled.

It can also aid your flying stages by helping to cover flight delay expenses or missing bags. Finally, it helps your travel and return stages by covering emergencies like health concerns, accidents, or stolen goods.

Best Travel Insurance for Hawaii: Allianz

The best travel insurance for Hawaii by far is Allianz . My family and I have used it for every flight we have taken to Hawaii since I was pregnant with my oldest. Allianz has been the most helpful and easily accessible travel insurance company we have ever worked with.

I want to emphasize that we primarily use Allianz for travel insurance on our flights . That way, we’re covered in case we need to cancel a trip. It’s really affordable (we pay about $100 total for our family of four).

However, they offer much more comprehensive travel insurance plans.

They have 24-hour assistance and an on-call group of specialists with access to a worldwide network of pre-screened hospitals. That means no matter where you are in the world, they have a place for you to go to get the medical care you deserve.

How Travel Insurance Works with Allianz

Travel insurance with Allianz is simple and easy to navigate. With specialists on call 24/7, you can call anytime with any questions about travel coverage, which plan is best for you based on your travel needs, and help if you need to file a claim. 

They also offer a “Get a Quote” feature on their website. This allows you to browse coverage options and get a cost estimate based on your needs without needing to even pick up the phone.

This feature makes it very easy to browse custom coverage and then estimate your budget for the rest of your trip while factoring in your travel insurance. 

What’s Covered with Allianz Travel Insurance to Hawaii?

Does allianz cover covid.

Allianz offers a unique coverage addition for epidemic-related concerns. This is especially helpful in 2021.

Usually, epidemic-related concerns, fear of travel, and travel advisory warnings are not typically covered by travel insurances. But with Allianz, you can feel secure that this additional coverage is an option for you. So no matter what situation you encounter, you can be prepared. 

Not all plans include all of the additional coverage. So you will want to make sure that your Declaration of Coverage includes the ‘Epidemic Coverage Endorsement’. While not all of the plans include this endorsement, there are temporary claim accommodations relating to COVID concerns as well. 

That means whether or not your current plan includes the endorsement of all of the epidemic coverage, there are several temporary claim accommodations that can be used for all purchasers of Allianz travel insurance.

The current temporary claim accommodations include emergency medical care for an insured individual who becomes ill with COVID while on their trip. That’s if the plan of the insured includes the Emergency Medical Care benefit. 

It also includes trip cancellation and trip interruption. That helps if an insured individual or that insured’s traveling companion or family member becomes ill with COVID before or during the insured’s trip. This is included with the Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits.

So, as you can see, Allianz has your health in mind while you travel. That’s because it covers anything the world may throw at you in these current times.

Can You Cancel For Any Reason with Allianz?

When it comes to cancellations, Allianz understands that sometimes life happens. While this type of coverage is not offered in their online options, you can speak to your travel agent about your options and purchase this type of insurance with Allianz through a travel advisor. 

Many travel insurances do not offer ‘cancel any time’ coverage at all. Or if they do, it is not such a great deal in the grand scheme of things. Allianz has one of the best deals when it comes to ‘cancel any time coverage.’ They can reimburse you 80% of your costs.

This is the highest percentage back rate among popular travel insurance companies by at least 5%.

Does Allianz Offer Refunds?

Allianz offers trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits which can reimburse you the cost of your canceled trip. If you have to cancel your trip or it gets interrupted for any of the covered reasons listed in your plan, then Allianz helps reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip payments. 

The covered reasons include many of life’s unfortunate, unforeseen circumstances. These include situations like a natural disaster that floods your booked vacation home, a sudden medical emergency, a family member’s death, and even jury duty or a divorce. 

These benefits offer a wide range of coverage that can protect you. And they will help you get your money back if any of these events happen to you before your trip.

Remember that to utilize these benefits, your selected plan must include them in your Declaration of Coverage. And you must notify your travel supplier within 72 hours of the cancellation. 

Allianz also offers to cancel any time coverage. That will help reimburse you 80% of your costs in the event of a cancellation.

How Much Does Allianz Charge for Travel Insurance to Hawaii?

The cost of a plan with Allianz varies by the cost of your trip, chosen coverage and benefits, age of the primary traveler, and dates of your planned travel.

Like I said before, we usually use them for travel insurance for our flights to Hawaii. It costs about $100 for our family of four.

However, they offer much more robust plans. These are perfect for people at a higher risk for getting sick while traveling and might need medical care.

The average price of the premier plan is usually around $1,200 for the average 30- to 40-year-old traveler staying in Hawaii for two weeks. 

This is specifically for the OneTrip Prime package . It covers the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Baggage Loss, Emergency Medical, Emergency Transportation, and much more!  

This package is great for a one-time trip for the whole family. Plus it offers many benefits with the options for upgrades and rental car damage coverage.

However, Allianz offers many other packages that can cater to your needs. And they have multiple travel plans if you want more choices. 

For example, if you want a slightly cheaper package that still covers all of your basic needs, they have the OneTrip Basic. This plan is quite affordable and includes Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and limited Baggage Loss, and Emergency Medical benefits.

For those who are planning multiple trips or who are always traveling, they offer an AllTrips selection from basic to prime. The perk of this package is that if you don’t need cancellation covers, it offers extended medical benefits. This is an amazing comfort if you are traveling overseas consistently. 

Overall, Allianz has packages for affordable prices for any type of situation and coverage you could ask for.

Investing in Travel Insurance May Seem Like It’s Not A Necessary Expense, But When You Need It It Is Well Worth It!

In today’s world, travel is more accessible than ever. And many of us are fortunate to have the opportunity to go places that were once only a dream.

However, when you’re on vacation in Hawaii or anywhere else for that matter, being prepared with the right insurance can make your trip even better.

Whether it’s medical care while traveling abroad or just peace of mind knowing you will be taken care of if something happens before or during your Hawaiian getaway, investing in an affordable plan like our company offers may seem like a luxury but could prove invaluable should disaster strike!

When you consider how much time and money it costs to get back on your feet after an incident, investing in travel insurance for vacationing in Hawaii seems like a no-brainer!

Looking for more Hawaii Travel Tips ? Find out how to rent a car in Hawaii , t hings to pack in your carry on bag , the top Hawaii questions people ask , and the biggest Hawaii mistakes tourists make !

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Travel Insurance for a Hawaiian Vacation: Why It’s a Good Idea

Taking a vacation in Hawaii? Congratulations! It’s one of the world’s great destinations – and it’s a domestic trip to boot, so no passports, no customs, and no foreign money.

But, when you add up the luxury resorts and the luxury golf-course greens fees and the airfare, Hawaiian vacations can be even more expensive than international vacations.

The cost involved to plan a trip to Hawaii is a major reason to buy travel insurance for a Hawaiian vacation. But don’t overlook these other reasons:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Baggage loss or damage

Emergency medical evacuation

Medical expenses.

• Travel assistance

Pro Tips: 4 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is a Must for Expensive Trips

Looking at these individually:

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

No one planning a Hawaii vacation wants to even think about mentioning the remotest possibility that their trip may have to be canceled or interrupted, but as the Hawaiians say : “Never turn your back on the ocean.”

It could be an illness or injury that sends you to the hospital and makes it impossible for you to make your flight. It could be a disaster hitting your home, or losing your job, or climate change hurling an unexpected hurricane at your destination.

Whatever it is, you’re not going to see it coming until it’s there, ruining your vacation. Generali travel insurance has coverage for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption built into all its plans.

Find the Hawaiian island that fits your vacation style

Baggage loss, damage or delay

In addition to flights from the mainland, many Hawaiian vacations require travel between islands. All these different flights on different airlines increase the chances of something happening to your luggage.

Making sure your luggage and its contents are protected is a prudent step, especially when you’re vacationing in Hawaii. Generali travel insurance plans includes coverage for Baggage and Baggage Delay that can cover your luggage if it is stolen, lost delayed or damaged.

Baggage didn’t make it to Hawaii with you? While the airline works that out, go ahead and buy a bathing suit, hit the beach, and file a claim when you get back home. Just remember to keep receipts for items you need to buy while your bags are missing and be aware of the reimbursement limits of your plan.

Also read:  What to Do if Your Luggage is Stolen on Vacation

Hawaii may be part of the United States, but areas of the islands are surprisingly remote. If you fall down a slippery slope and break an ankle when walking through the rainforests of Kauai, getting you extricated and transported to the nearest medical facility can be difficult and expensive.

Are you ready to foot the bill for a  $100,000 emergency medical evacuation  on your trip?

Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage from Generali can help bring you out of harm’s way and to the nearest suitable medical facility if you encounter an emergency illness or injury during your trip. Then, our top-notch Medical Team will help coordinate your medical needs so you can focus on rest and recuperation.

Read more about how travel insurance can help with medical evacuation

Because Hawaii is a domestic destination , chances are your medical insurance will work there. But even so, chances are if you have an unplanned visit to a doctor in Hawaii, you’ll have medical bills to pay due to out-of-network charges, deductibles or other fees.

That’s why travel insurance with medical coverage is so important. With Generali, Medical and Dental coverage is in excess of any health insurance you already have . That means it can pay what your medical policy doesn’t pay, up to the travel policy’s limit.

Medical expenses are a hassle – especially when you’re on vacation, and especially when you’re on vacation in Hawaii. Generali travel insurance with Medical and Dental coverage can lessen the hassle.

See all the types of medical expenses travel insurance can cover

Travel Assistance

Because Hawaii is popular and there’s so much to do, you may find yourself not having the time to track down the restaurant reservations and event tickets you want. That’s where Concierge Services come in. Every Generali plan includes access to a phone line staffed by real travel experts that can offer all sorts of travel assistance before or during your trip.

The plans also come with 24/7 Travel Assistance Services , which can provide live help with almost any emergency issue while traveling. It’s multipurpose help to make it easier for you to enjoy your time in paradise.

Of course, your Hawaiian vacation is going to be memorable. That’s a given. But is your Hawaiian vacation going to be memorable for all the right reasons? That’s where Generali can help. Get a travel insurance quote today.

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The Traveler’s Guide to Airline Travel Insurance in 2024

Last Updated: September 29, 2023 January 3, 2024

Travel insurance is now easier to purchase than ever before, and today’s travelers have many options to choose from when it comes to protecting their trips. In recent years, single trip travel insurance has increased in popularity and is now easier than ever to obtain. Now, many airlines offer travel insurance to passengers as part of their checkout process. 

Plans offered by commercial airlines can differ greatly from one company to the next. Below we dive into the world of airline travel insurance, and break down some of the best plans offered by popular carriers. 

Understanding Airline Travel Insurance

One of the biggest misconceptions is that  the airlines themselves  are insuring the trip. Instead, many airlines partner with prominent travel insurance providers to provide passengers with travel protection. 

The policies offered through these partnerships are often fairly comprehensive, and cover a lot of the common travel disruptions you may encounter on a trip. Common inclusions in airline travel insurance include coverage for: 

• Flight delays
• Trip cancellations
• Missed connections
• Lost luggage
• Emergency Medical
• Medical Evacuation

As with any type of insurance policy, it’s important to read the fine print of these plans to understand what they cover.

How Does Airline Travel Insurance Differ From Third Party Travel Insurance?

Purchasing third-party travel insurance, also referred to as independent travel insurance, involves shopping around on your own to find a trip protection plan. This could include going directly to a provider or visiting a comparison site like Squaremouth. 

Buying a policy through your airline will always be the quickest option as it only adds a couple of clicks to the checkout process. However, sometimes it pays, or saves, to look around. 

Some other things to consider when deciding where to purchase insurance include: 

• Options: Airlines usually only offer one option for their customers. Shopping around, travelers can explore more than 100 different plans from top providers. 
• Coverage: Travelers that want more or less coverage than what their airline offers have few options to modify their policy. Most providers offer customers multiple plans with varying degrees of coverage. 
• Cost: Pricing can vary quite dramatically for travel insurance, even when coverage is similar. Shopping around lets you evaluate what different providers are charging. 

Airlines That Offer Travel Insurance in 2024

Many of the major airlines that operate across the United States offer some form of travel protection to their passengers. These plans are often available for purchase during the checkout process as an optional add-on. Some airlines also offer the option to retroactively add trip protection to your trip after making a booking. 

Below is a breakdown of various airline travel insurance policies that are current at the time of publishing this article. 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of every airline that offers travel insurance.

Alaska Airlines Travel Insurance

Alaska Airlines’ travel insurance plan is offered through Allianz Global Assistance . When creating a quote on their site for trip protection, the following coverage was presented: 

• Trip Cancellation: 100% of Trip Costs
• Trip Interruption: 100% of Trip Costs 
• Emergency Medical:  $10,000
• Medical Evacuation: $50,000
• Travel Delay: $150 with a 6 hour minimum delay
• Baggage Delay : $100 when bags are delayed more than 24 hours
• Baggage and Personal Item Loss: $500

Expert Tips: 

Most third party travel insurance premiums range between 5-10% of a travelers total insured trip cost. The premium for this policy was above average, equating to more than 10% of the total trip cost included in the quote. The medical coverage does not meet Squaremouth’s international travel insurance recommendations for medical coverage of $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. 

American Airlines Travel Insurance

American Airlines offers travel insurance through a partnership Allianz Global Assistance. According to American Airlines’ official website , Allianz offers multiple options to passengers with varying degrees of coverage. 

When creating a quote for travel insurance through American Airlines for this article, we were presented six different plans, with an option as low as $22. The most comprehensive plan, called “Travel Insurance II” offered the following benefits: 

• Change Fee Coverage: $250
• Baggage Delay: $100 when bags are delayed more than 24 hours

The above benefits are consistent with a comprehensive policy. However, the cost of the policy offered was 11.5% of the total trip cost, much more than comparable plans found through a third-party site. The medical coverage also does not meet Squaremouth’s international travel insurance recommendations for medical coverage. 

Delta Travel Insurance

Similar to the majority of airlines, Delta’s trip protection is also offered through a partnership with Allianz Global Assistance. 

The following plan was offered when creating a quote for an international trip: 

Similar to American Airlines’, the plan offered equated to 11.5% of the total trip cost. In general, comprehensive policies will fall between 5-10% of a traveler’s total insured trip cost. Like other policies mentioned in this article,  the medical coverage also does not meet Squaremouth’s international travel insurance recommendations for medical coverage. 

Hawaiian Airlines Travel Insurance

Hawaiian Airlines is another carrier that offers its passengers Allianz Global Assistance trip protection. Similar to American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines passengers have more than one policy to choose from. 

Their comprehensive policy, referred to as “Global Travel Protection,” featured the following benefits: 

The Hawaiian Airlines travel insurance policy that was displayed on the quote amounted to roughly 10% of the total trip cost used for the quote. The coverage lacked adequate medical coverage for most international trips. 

Southwest Airlines Travel Insurance

At the time of this article being published, Southwest does not offer travel insurance to its passengers. Travelers flying Southwest that want to protect their trip costs should consider using a third-party comparison site to compare policies from multiple providers. 

It’s important to note that Southwest does have a generous refund policy for travelers that no longer wish to travel. Under the policy, even nonrefundable tickets can be canceled in return for future flight credit. 

Spirit Airlines Travel Insurance

Unlike the majority of airlines in the United States, Spirit Airlines partners with Travel Guard to provide passengers with travel insurance. 

The following coverage was displayed when Squaremouth submitted a quote on Travel Guard’s website following a link on Spirit. 

• Trip Interruption: 125% of Trip Costs 
• Medical Evacuation: $20,000
• Travel Delay: $100 per day, $500 in total, with a 5 hour minimum delay
• Missed Connection: $500
• Baggage Delay: $500 when bags are delayed more than 24 hours
• Baggage and Personal Item Loss: $1,000

Compared to policies offered by other airlines, Spirit’s option provides travelers with more coverage for delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. With that said, the Medical Evacuation coverage is $30,000 less than most other carriers, and does not meet the recommended amount for international travel. 

The policy offered through Spirit is also one of the cheaper options, at under 10% of the total insured trip cost. 

United Airlines Travel Insurance

United is another airline that uses Travel Guard as its travel insurance partner. 

The following coverage was found when filling out a quote using links on United’s website: 

Coverage is almost identical to what’s offered by Spirit, but with slightly higher Medical Evacuation coverage. As with every other policy offered by airlines, there is still less-than-ideal medical coverage for international trips. 

How Much Does Airline Travel Insurance Cost?

From reviewing quotes from multiple airlines, the average comprehensive airline travel insurance policy will cost travelers anywhere from 9-12% of their total trip cost. Some airlines also offer less expensive options to passengers with less benefits and lower coverage.  The cost of airline travel insurance is high compared to third-party travel insurance. As a rule of thumb, most travel insurance policies will cost 5-10% of a trip’s total cost. Anything higher than that is considered expensive for travel insurance. 

Is Airline Travel Insurance Worth It in 2024?

Judging a policy’s worth depends on your specific situation. In reviewing policies for this article, Squaremouth found that policies offered by airlines generally cost more and offer less coverage compared to third-party travel insurance providers. 

However, you may find that the policies offered by your airline meet your needs as a traveler. In any case, Squaremouth would recommend shopping around and comparing plans from different providers before buying a policy directly through an airline. 

With little effort, you may find a cheaper policy that offers much more generous coverage. Many credit cards these days also provide travel protection as part of their benefits package to cardholders. If you have a travel card, we recommend assessing what coverage you already have before purchasing any additional coverage. 

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in June 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurer, airline or homeowners insurer (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety. Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, a Travelex policy will cover them, too. The number of children you can add to your policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Choice Cruise also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

  Heidi’s expert take: “This plan has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance first. Since U.S. health insurance won’t help you at sea, you may want to look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Should I Purchase Travel Insurance For My Trip To Hawaii?

Hawaii is really far away. Eight tropical islands sit right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire. It’s a six-hour flight from the west coast of the mainland United States, eight hours from Tokyo and a little more than 10 hours from Sydney, Australia. As you can see, America’s 50th state is pretty equidistant from the Asian, Australian and North American continents. 

This means that a flight from New York City will put you in the air for about 12 hours, and you’re unlikely to fly non-stop. You’ll probably have to connect to another plane on the west coast. And these connections are done for practical and safety purposes. 

In early 2019, Southwest Airlines finally wrapped up a federal regulatory process that now allows the airline to fly routes to Hawaii. You see, there are no runways between Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. Airlines that fly to Hawaii have to operate special planes, and the company’s crews must go through special training. So, when you connect on the west coast on your way to Hawaii, you’re likely stepping off of a “normal” domestic plane and onto a Hawaii route-certified plane.

Does the FAA know there is a certain risk when flying to the most isolated chain of islands in the world, but is a Hawaiian vacation really that risky? Should you actually take the extra step in purchasing travel insurance for your trip? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Unfortunately, not all travel insurance plans are the same, and some only cover very specific instances. Like most things in life, you usually get what you pay for, but, at the same time, you shouldn’t mistake value for the price. You’ll need to carefully examine each travel insurance plan to see if it fits your needs during your trip to Hawaii. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

How Do They Apply To A Trip To Hawaii?

Well, let’s go through them step-by-step.  

1. Voluntary Cancellation

There is one way to receive free cancellation without purchasing travel insurance. You can simply fly Southwest Airlines to the islands while booking hotels with late cancellation windows. The hotels will refund your credit card in three to five business days, but the Southwest Airlines cancellation works a bit differently. You won’t pay a fee for the cancellation, and you’ll receive your fare back in the form of a travel credit good for future Southwest flights. So, if you paid $600 for a flight to Hawaii on Southwest and are forced to cancel, you’ll get exactly $600 worth of travel credit for future use with the airline. You just have to use the credit within one year of the original booking.

2. Missed Connections

3. Canceled Flights

Unfortunately, airlines are under no obligation to reimburse you for canceled flights due to weather. It’s simply out of the company’s control. But that brings us to our second canceled flight category -- mechanical failure.

Your flight may be canceled because a routine mechanical check sent up a red flag, and the plane needs work before it can fly again. An airline may ground a plane for a burned-out light in the cockpit or a faulty engine. Either way, you are entitled to compensation from the airline for your canceled flight because, in this case, it’s the company’s fault. Make sure to talk to the agent calmly and ask for a cash refund, including a refund for any secondary fees such as baggage fees and seat upgrade fees. If you settle for travel credit with the airline instead of cash, make sure to ask if there are any restrictions.

Note that you will not be reimbursed for your entire vacation. You’re still on the hook for your hotels and any tours you may have booked in advance. But, as you can see, travel insurance only covers canceled flights due to weather. Federal law covers canceled flights for every passenger in America when it comes to mechanical failure.

4. Dangerous Weather

5. Acts of Terror or Violence

There’s no way to forecast such an event, but Hawaii does have very strict gun laws. Hawaii has America’s lowest gun violence rate, so you’re safer on the islands than on the mainland. It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll have to use this coverage should your travel insurance plan even include it.

6. Sickness Or Injury During Your Trip

7. Lost, Destroyed or Damaged Bags

If your bag is delayed, you’ll simply talk to the baggage agent who will likely be able to tell you where it is currently located. Oftentimes, the bag is put on the wrong plane by mistake. So, you’re in Hawaii and your bag ends up in Spokane, Washington. The airline will get your bag to the islands as quickly as possible, and the airline will courier your bag to your hotel. This usually happens within 24 hours.

But, if you’re nice enough to the baggage attendant, you can tell them that you don’t have any clothes, swimwear or hiking shoes with you right now; the items you would need to enjoy your vacation while you wait for your bag to arrive. The airline attendant may give you a toiletry bag full of goodies and may even write you a check so that you can buy hiking shoes and swim trunks. After all, federal law states that the airline must reimburse you for incidental expenses associated with your delayed bag, but the process is not regulated very well. It’s essentially up to the baggage claim person, so be nice.

Otherwise, you have a right to file a claim with the US Department of Transportation should the airline not fulfill its financial obligations. You can seek up to $3,500 in compensation per bag for a domestic flight. So, in the end, you really don’t need this kind of coverage because federal law already covers you. But, if you forgo the insurance, you may be in for a long, uphill battle.

8. Lost Passport

Most travelers to the Hawaiian islands are from the continental United States and are either US citizens or legal aliens. If that’s the case, then you don’t need this coverage whatsoever. You can fly to and from Hawaii without a passport. But this could come in handy if you are a foreign traveler. Just make sure the travel insurance covers the passport process in your country.

9. Emergency Medical Evacuation

10. Your Travel Company Goes Bankrupt

More than 10 million visitors from all over the world step foot on the Hawaiian islands every year and a variety of companies are waiting for their economic jolt. All in all, it’s tough for a travel company to go bankrupt without an “act of God,” so to speak. Extreme weather, like a hurricane or an eruption, might put a company under, but you shouldn’t count on it. You’ll have to call on this coverage only in extremely limited circumstances.

11. Emergency Assistance Services

To put the rareness of this into perspective, the last time transportation was halted to the islands was in 1992 when Hurricane Iniki made landfall. The storm crippled the island of Kauai and let loose hundreds of chickens. The water stopped flowing, the world-famous Coco Palms Resort was destroyed and the US Military had to barge in aid for those left on the island.

Calling on this coverage is quite a long shot, but, if you do win the unfortunate circumstances lottery and need the assistance, it could be a lifesaver. The insurance company could find you a place to stay, water to drink, food to eat and help evacuate you from the island.

Your bags are already covered by federal law, so you don’t need to worry about that. And if you’ve protected yourself with the aforementioned preemptive maneuvers, you don’t even have to worry about the worst weather. You’ll see it coming on the forecast. But unexpected bad weather, volcanic eruptions, and acts of violence can’t be forecasted, and this is where the travel insurance can actually help.

In the end, you should ask yourself this question -- are the type of person that would relax more if you had this type of protection? If the answer is yes, then you should purchase the insurance so that you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime just a little bit more. You can look at the extra cost as an investment in your peace of mind. But, if the answer is no, then you shouldn’t worry about it. Spend that money on a guided tour instead.  

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Bereavement fares: 5 airlines that still offer discounts.

Several airlines offer help in times of loss.

Bereavement Flights: Discounted Fares

Getty Images

When you've lost a loved one, the last thing you want to do is search for flights. Travel can be stressful under the best circumstances, but the added mental and financial stress of unexpected travel while grieving can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, the following airlines offer bereavement fares – cheaper flights with flexible booking options – to help make this difficult time easier to manage:

Alaska Airlines

Delta air lines, hawaiian airlines.

Keep in mind, policies on bereavement flights vary by airline, including the requirements to qualify for the fare, the flights a bereavement fare can be applied to and the benefits of said fare. Also note that bereavement flights may not be your cheapest option.

Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement flight option for grieving customers hoping to travel within seven days of the death of a loved one. If you're eligible, you receive a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for your desired trip. Keep in mind that all flights must happen within this seven-day period, so the airline won't match a cheaper rate found outside of this timeframe. Additionally, bereavement discounts cannot be combined with other rate reductions, such as miles or military discounts, so be sure to look at the base cost of a flight when searching for the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines' discounted bereavement fares are available on Alaska Airlines flights and flights operated on behalf of Alaska by Horizon or SkyWest.

Qualifications: The discount is only available to customers who have lost a member of their immediate family. The company classifies immediate family members as any of the following: spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, siblings or half-siblings, grandparents, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew. Stepfamily members and in-laws that fall into these categories are also recognized as immediate family, but cousins and other in-law relatives do not qualify for the discounted rate. Travelers older than 18 must also be Mileage Plan members to qualify for the discount.

To secure a bereavement fare, call the Alaska Airlines reservations and customer service line at 1-800-252-7522. The discounted rate can only be applied to new tickets purchased when calling this number, so don't try to book through the website first. If you have already begun your travel, you will not be eligible for a bereavement flight. All fees and rules associated with the fare will apply to your bereavement flight.

View Alaska Airlines' bereavement travel policy .

Air Canada offers a bereavement discount for any Economy Class fare (excluding Economy Basic) on flights marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express.

Qualifications: Like other airlines, the bereavement policy only applies to immediate family members. You are considered immediate family if you are a spouse, child, parent, sibling, legal guardian or spouse of the legal guardian of the deceased. This includes step, half, in-law and common in-law as well as grand and great-grand relatives. Air Canada's policy is also inclusive of same-sex relationships as well as ex-spouses.

If you're hoping to secure a bereavement fare from Air Canada, you will also need to provide supporting documentation as evidence of your loss. This can be any of the following: a copy of the death certificate, the funeral director's statement, the coroner's statement, registration issued by a provincial government, or a letter from the treating physician on official letterhead or a prescription pad. If you go with the last option, make sure the physician knows that the letter will need to clearly define the situation as one of imminent death of your immediate family member. The supporting document should be emailed to [email protected] within seven days of your return flight. If you do not provide this documentation, you may be charged the regular fare price difference for your flight.

Bereavement flights can be booked by calling the Flight Info and Reservations customer support line for Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262. When you request a bereavement fare, you will be required to disclose the name of the family member and your relationship to them. You will be asked to disclose the name of the hospital or residence and the attending physician's name, address and phone number – or the date of the memorial or funeral and the name, address and phone number of the memorial or funeral home.

At first glance, this may seem like more work than it's worth, but Air Canada's bereavement flights come with a far more generous timeframe than most other bereavement flights. To qualify for the reduced fare, your travel must begin within 10 days of booking, a slightly longer timeframe than other bereavement flight options. However, your bereavement travel can extend as long as 60 days. This makes Air Canada's bereavement flights a particularly beneficial option if you will be handling your loved one's estate.

View Air Canada's bereavement travel policy .

Delta offers grieving customers domestic and international bereavement flights. Like other bereavement policies, the bereavement fare can only be secured via phone and is not available to those booking on the website. To secure a bereavement fare, call Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212 for domestic flights or 1-800-241-4141 for international flights. You will be required to reserve your ticket on the phone, and you must travel within seven days of the death or imminent death of an immediate family member.

Qualifications: Under Delta's policy, immediate family members include: spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sister, brother, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepbrother, stepsister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law. Domestic partnerships are provided the same relations as spouses under this policy.

Delta's bereavement policy offers additional flexibility on the best published fare for your itinerary. Tickets are still subject to availability and no additional discount is provided, but the flexibility provided by the policy can be helpful if you anticipate changes in your travel plans. In order to accommodate changes, the company waives service fees on all outbound and return bereavement flights.

Fare differences when changing a flight may still apply. Bereavement flights are available on Delta-marketed and -operated flights as well as Delta Connection flights. Frequent Delta flyers can also utilize their Medallion Complimentary Upgrades and Complimentary Companion Upgrades to upgrade their flight, both domestic and international. Under Delta's policy, international bereavement flights may be subject to further restrictions and are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards and Upgrade Certificates, which can be used on domestic flights.

Another important restriction to note is that bereavement flights are only available to SkyMiles members. If you are not a SkyMiles member, don't fret. There is no waiting period for enrollment, so you can become a member right before calling Delta Reservations. In addition to being a SkyMiles member, to receive a bereavement fare for your flight you will need to provide the deceased person's name; your relationship to the deceased; the name and phone number of the funeral home, hospital, or hospice; and the name of the doctor (if applicable).

View Delta's bereavement travel policy .

While Hawaiian Airlines offers bereavement fares, they are some of the more restrictive options available. Namely, this is because a bereavement flight can only be booked for neighbor island travel between Hawaiian islands. The official bereavement policy is referred to as "Neighbor Island Emergency Travel." Urgent travel to or from North America or along international routes is not covered under Hawaiian Airlines' bereavement policy, but the airline will waive ticketing fees for phone reservations booked within 48 hours due to the death of a family member. If you are traveling within the state of Hawaii, you may be eligible for one-way, all-inclusive, emergency fare. Single-segment emergency fares are available for $83 in the main cabin and $133 in first class. Emergency fares with a connection are listed as $110 for main cabin tickets and $160 for first class tickets.

Qualifications: To qualify for an emergency fare, you must be traveling within 48 hours of ticketing and be a traveling companion or immediate family member to the hospitalized or deceased. Hawaiian Airlines classifies a traveling companion as someone booked under the same six-letter confirmation code as you, so you may not be eligible for emergency airfare if your travel companion booked separately.

The company classifies immediate family as spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren. Stepfamily members and in-laws are included in the policy, as are adopted children. To secure the emergency fare rate, you will need to book your trip at the normal rate and then submit the required documents – a copy of your ticket, proof of relation, and a death certificate (bereavement) or signed medical waiver form (hospitalization) – online, by fax or by mail. Your documents will be reviewed within seven days following receipt and, if approved, Hawaiian Airlines will refund you the fare difference between the fare you paid and the emergency fare.

Unlike other airlines, Hawaiian Airlines offers a bereavement waiver request should you need to change or cancel an existing booking. If you were unable to travel due to the loss of an immediate family member or traveling companion, you may be eligible for a change fee waiver or ticket refund. In order to submit your request, you will need to fill out a form at HawaiianAirlines.com/CAO and attach the following documents: a copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate) and a copy of your ticket.

Bereavement waiver requests must be submitted after you have changed or canceled your flight online or by phone. Since this is a request, you will pay the full price for a change or cancellation upfront but will receive a refund of the appropriate amount if your request is approved. Keep in mind that this can take up to 30 days.

View Hawaiian Airlines' bereavement travel policy .

WestJet offers bereavement fares to travelers experiencing an imminent or recent death in their family. The company defines family as: parent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, nephew, niece, spouse, executor, and legal guardian or spouse of legal guardian. The policy is inclusive of same-sex couples as well as grand, step, common law and in-law versions of the listed relatives. Bereavement fares can be applied to WestJet's Econo, EconoFlex and Premium fares, but are not available on the company's partner airlines. Bereavement fares are not available on WestJet Vacations flights either.

Qualifications: To qualify for the bereavement fare, your travel must be completed within 14 days of when your first flight is booked. This includes your return trip. WestJet's bereavement fares are flexible and do not incur change fees. Like most airlines, the company advises that cheaper rates may be available elsewhere on the website, but regular fares are subject to change fees. To book a bereavement fare, you will need to call the company's general inquiries line at 1-888-937-8538. The customer service agent may require some general information at the time of booking, or you may receive a call back if they need to know a little more.

WestJet also offers civic funeral fares, a unique type of bereavement fare for guests traveling to the funeral of firefighters, police officers, military personnel or emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty. These tickets can also be booked by calling the general inquiries line and are subject to the same restrictions as the bereavement fares offered by WestJet.

View WestJet's bereavement travel policy .

Airlines That Don't Offer Bereavement Flights

The following U.S.-based airlines do not offer bereavement fares:

• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Though most airlines will try to accommodate the needs of grieving passengers, only a select few offer special fares to those dealing with a sudden loss. These bereavement flights, also known as bereavement fares, are discounted flexible fares offered by an airline to passengers who need to travel in the event of the imminent death or sudden recent death of a loved one (typically an immediate family member).

Bereavement fares usually provide travelers with a set discount on available flights operated by the airline. Some bereavement policies also provide additional flexibility to ensure customers can accommodate any other unexpected needs in their time of grief. Flights booked at the bereavement fare are typically discounted by a set percentage, though the extent of the bereavement fare discount can vary by airline and season.

Bereavement flights used to be quite abundant and were offered by many different airlines, but in recent years many airlines have done away with this option.

In 2014, American Airlines did away with bereavement fares following its merger with US Airways. Other major airlines stopped this service before that (or never offered it at all). Several airlines and travel experts pointed to an increasing amount of last-minute booking options for travelers – often at lower rates than bereavement fares – than in the past.

Bereavement flights can be a great asset during a time of grief, but they aren't always the cheapest airfare . Today, bereavement fares could get you anywhere from 5% to 25% off a flight, which might seem great at first glance. However, everyday discounted fares, as well as special flight deals offered by airlines or third-party sites, may end up being cheaper than the discount available with bereavement fares. Even the airlines that offer bereavement flights recommend checking current offerings for cheaper rates before booking.

Bereavement fares are only available to immediate family members of the deceased. This typically includes spouses, parents, siblings and children. What qualifies as immediate family varies by airline, so check each airline's policy to ensure you qualify.

Travel on bereavement flights is also subject to time restrictions. Each airline has a window of time in which the bereavement fare is valid. This can be anywhere from 48 hours to 60 days. Also, most bereavement flights must be booked by phone directly with the airline. The discounted fares are typically only eligible for flights on the primary airline and select partner airlines, and they cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

You should note that qualifying for a bereavement fare at the outset is not always the only step to receiving the discounted fare. In order to avoid a regular price fare, you may need to email the airline official documents proving the loss of a loved one. This can include a copy of the death certificate, a coroner's statement or a letter from the treating physician on official letterhead. If you do not provide this documentation, the airline will charge you the remaining portion of the regular fare price, regardless of whether you met the earlier requirements.

The short answer? It depends.

As many travelers know, cheaper flights often come with the caveat that they are not flexible. Bereavement flights have the upper hand in this case. These rates often come with greater flexibility providing you travel within the window set by the airline. They can also be changed without incurring additional fees, a particularly useful asset if you are handling your loved one's estate or if another family emergency comes up. Balancing grief and logistics can be difficult, but bereavement flights can help take some of the stress out of travel.

Assuming you can find a ticket to your destination at the last minute, you are likely to encounter high costs for available tickets. This is because tickets purchased at the last minute are often bought by business travelers who are less restricted by cost, so airlines can charge higher prices for their standard fares. Bereavement fares will provide a reduction on this charge, but many do not allow you to use other discounts or your miles.

Use points and miles: If you are a frequent traveler, consider using your frequent flyer miles . You can redeem points or miles for a flight and will only have to pay the related taxes and fees. If you don't have frequent flyer miles, you may still qualify for other discounts that could be cheaper than the bereavement fare. Be sure to check all available flights for promotions or special discounts – like military or government discounts – and scour discount travel sites like Skyscanner or Kayak for deals.

Consider airfare promos: Keep in mind that discount sites often require sacrificing flexibility and convenience for significantly lower tickets. If you book through these sites, it is likely you won't have the flexibility of a bereavement fare and your options may be limited to late-night, multistop or nonrefundable flights. In this case, travel insurance can help mitigate extra costs should you need to change your discount flight.

In the end, the option you choose should be based on your needs. If price is a concern, you may be better off using frequent flyer miles or booking through a third-party site. If you need a quick flight, your best bet is to find the most direct flight available, which may not be offered by one of the airlines with bereavement fares. But if you're looking for a flexible flight at a discounted rate, a bereavement flight might just be the ticket.

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Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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