Travel insurance
Travel Insurance: Trip Cancellation, Medical & Evacuation
The right plan returns 100% of trip cost if you cancel for a covered reason, plus emergency medical coverage abroad where U.S. health insurance doesn't apply.
4.7/514,000+ reviewsTrustpilot
Updated May 21, 2026 · Methodology
Typical travel insurance plan costs (% of trip cost)
| Plan type | Cost % of trip | Best for | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic medical only | 2–4% | Healthy travelers, low trip cost | Emergency med + evac |
| Standard comprehensive | 4–8% | Most trips | Cancellation + medical + baggage |
| CFAR upgrade | 7–12% | Trips where flexibility matters | + cancel for any reason (50–75% refund) |
| Annual multi-trip | $200–$500/yr | Frequent travelers (4+ trips/yr) | Standard coverage all year |
| Adventure / extreme | 6–12% | High-altitude, scuba, motorsports | High-risk activity coverage |
- Plan typeBasic medical onlyCost % of trip2–4%Best forHealthy travelers, low trip costCoverageEmergency med + evac
- Plan typeStandard comprehensiveCost % of trip4–8%Best forMost tripsCoverageCancellation + medical + baggage
- Plan typeCFAR upgradeCost % of trip7–12%Best forTrips where flexibility mattersCoverage+ cancel for any reason (50–75% refund)
- Plan typeAnnual multi-tripCost % of trip$200–$500/yrBest forFrequent travelers (4+ trips/yr)CoverageStandard coverage all year
- Plan typeAdventure / extremeCost % of trip6–12%Best forHigh-altitude, scuba, motorsportsCoverageHigh-risk activity coverage
Updated May 21, 2026Why you can trust Insurances Quote ›
MA
Written by
Marcus Allen
Senior Editor
SC
Edited by
Sarah Chen
Editorial Director
PW
Reviewed by
Dr. Patricia Wong
Insurance Industry Analyst
DP
Data review
David Park
VP of Data Science
Why you can trust this guide: Coverage definitions follow U.S. Travel Insurance Association standards; plan rates verified against major insurer rate tables.
What travel insurance typically covers
- Trip cancellation / interruption — refund of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs for covered reasons (illness, death, weather, etc.).
- Emergency medical — medical bills for injury or illness while traveling. Critical internationally where U.S. health insurance often doesn’t apply.
- Emergency evacuation — medically necessary transport to nearest adequate facility or home.
- Baggage / personal effects — lost, stolen, delayed luggage.
- Travel delay — meals and lodging when delays cascade.
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) — optional upgrade, reimburses 50–75% of trip if you cancel for any reason.
Quick facts
- CFAR must usually be purchased within 14–21 days of first trip payment.
- Pre-existing condition waivers also require purchase within ~14 days.
- Most plans cost 4–8% of trip cost — comprehensive coverage included.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Insurances Quote partners with 120+ top auto insurers
4.7/5 · 14,000+ reviews · Secure · Free
MA
Expert Tip
Marcus Allen
Senior Editor
Buy travel insurance within 14 days of your first deposit. That window unlocks two valuable add-ons: pre-existing condition waivers (so an old back issue doesn’t void your claim) and CFAR. Wait past the window and these become unavailable.
When travel insurance is worth it
Pros
- International trips — U.S. health insurance often doesn't apply abroad.
- Expensive prepaid trips (cruises, all-inclusive resorts).
- Travel during hurricane / weather-prone season.
- Anyone with chronic health condition that could disrupt plans.
Cons
- Domestic trips with refundable flights and hotels — limited benefit.
- Trips under $1,000 total — premium often exceeds potential payout.
- Premium credit card travel coverage may already cover the basics.
- CFAR upgrades only refund 50–75% — not a full refund.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Insurances Quote partners with 120+ top auto insurers
4.7/5 · 14,000+ reviews · Secure · Free
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally within 14 days of your first deposit — that’s the window for adding pre-existing-condition waivers and CFAR upgrades.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most current plans treat COVID as any other illness — covered for trip cancellation if you test positive before departure, and for emergency medical if you contract it while traveling.
How much does travel insurance cost?
4–8% of trip cost for comprehensive. CFAR upgrades push to 7–12%.
Does my credit card travel insurance replace standalone?
Some premium cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) cover basics. For longer/expensive international trips, supplement with standalone medical + evacuation.
Methodology
Plan ranges from major travel insurance carriers (Travel Guard, Allianz, Travelex, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, World Nomads). CFAR pricing reflects standard 50–75% reimbursement structures.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Insurances Quote partners with 120+ top auto insurers
4.7/5 · 14,000+ reviews · Secure · Free
Advertiser Disclosure
Insurances Quote is an independent insurance marketplace. We are paid by carriers when shoppers switch to a policy we’ve helped match — never by the shopper. We don’t resell your lead data to third-party buyers, and the carrier rankings on this page reflect our composite quality score (35% claims, 30% price, 20% service, 15% digital tools), not paid placement.