Travel Insurance — Protect Your Trip in 2026
Travel insurance is your safety net when things go wrong abroad — a medical emergency, a cancelled flight, or lost luggage can cost thousands. The right policy gives you peace of mind so you can focus on the adventure.
Compare the Best Travel Insurance Plans
- Coverage
- 200+ adventure activities (hiking, scuba, skiing)
- From
- $4.50/day
- Best for
- Backpackers, adventure travelers, digital nomads
24/7 emergency assistance, buy while already traveling
Get a Quote →- Coverage
- Medical + travel, subscription model
- From
- $1.50/day
- Best for
- Digital nomads, remote workers, long-term travelers
No fixed end date, covers home country visits up to 30 days
Get a Quote →- Coverage
- Comprehensive single-trip or annual plans
- From
- $5/day
- Best for
- Families, luxury travelers, frequent flyers
Family plans, cancel for any reason option, 24/7 hotline
Get a Quote →What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Medical Emergencies & Evacuation
Hospital stays, emergency surgery, and medical evacuation can cost $50,000+ abroad. Insurance covers these costs so you're never stuck with an impossible bill.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
If you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to illness, family emergency, or covered events, you can recoup non-refundable costs.
Lost / Delayed Baggage
Airlines lose millions of bags each year. Insurance reimburses you for lost or delayed luggage so you can replace essentials and keep traveling.
Flight Delays
Extended delays entitle you to meal and accommodation expenses. Some policies kick in after just 3–6 hours of delay.
Adventure Activities
Standard policies often exclude skiing, diving, or hiking above certain altitudes. Specialist insurers like World Nomads cover 200+ activities.
Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?
1 in 6 travelers experience a medical problem abroad each year.
A medical evacuation from Southeast Asia can cost over $50,000.
Trip cancellations cost travelers an average of $5,000 per incident.
Over 25 million bags are mishandled by airlines globally each year.
How to Choose the Right Plan
- Destination risk level — healthcare quality and costs vary enormously.
- Trip duration — longer trips benefit from subscription-style plans.
- Activities planned — adventure sports need specialist coverage.
- Pre-existing conditions — declare them upfront to avoid claim rejection.
- Valuables — check limits on electronics and camera gear.
Going Somewhere? See Our Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy travel insurance?
Buy as soon as you book your trip to maximize trip cancellation coverage. You can also buy mid-trip with providers like World Nomads.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern policies include COVID-19 medical cover. Check whether your policy also covers trip cancellation due to a positive test.
What is not covered by travel insurance?
Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions (unless declared), extreme sports without add-ons, and cancellations due to disinclination to travel ("I just don't want to go").
Can I get travel insurance after I've already left?
Yes — World Nomads and SafetyWing both allow you to purchase or extend coverage while already traveling, though there may be a waiting period for new claims.