Travel insurance is an essential aspect of trip planning, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. With numerous travel insurance providers in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. To simplify the process, our team conducted a comprehensive survey of travel insurance companies, evaluating them based on coverage, quality, and service. By creating a scoring system and collecting sample quotes, we aimed to provide an unbiased assessment of each provider.
Cost is a significant factor when selecting a travel insurance provider, as it directly impacts your budget. To determine the average cost of travel insurance, we gathered quotes for various traveler profiles and trip scenarios. Companies that offered prices at or below our calculated average cost of $221 received full points in this category. We obtained quotes for different trips, including a couple vacationing in Mexico, a family of four traveling to the United Kingdom, and individuals visiting various destinations in Europe.
Plan availability is another crucial aspect that we considered when rating travel insurance providers. We looked for insurers that offered a variety of travel insurance plans and the flexibility to customize policies with coverage upgrades. A diverse range of plans allows customers to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their trip.
Coverage details play a significant role in determining the quality of a travel insurance policy. We evaluated the baseline coverage offered in each company’s cheapest comprehensive plan, looking for providers with robust coverage. Essential features such as baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage were considered. Additionally, companies offering policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports coverage, and cancel for any reason coverage received higher ratings in this category.
Coverage times and amounts are critical factors that can impact the effectiveness of a travel insurance policy. We compared each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel, and weather delays. Providers offering reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays and covering more than 100% of trip costs in case of cancellations or interruptions received top scores in this category. Adequate coverage times and amounts ensure that customers are adequately protected in case of unforeseen events during their trip.
Company service and reviews are essential indicators of a travel insurance provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction. We assessed companies based on their global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app availability, claim filing options, and concierge services. Additionally, we considered consumer reviews, third-party financial strength ratings, and customer experience ratings from reputable sources like AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Companies with positive reviews and strong customer support mechanisms received higher ratings in this category.
In conclusion, choosing the right travel insurance provider is a crucial decision that can impact your travel experience significantly. By considering factors like cost, plan availability, coverage details, coverage times and amounts, and company service and reviews, you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs. Our survey and scoring system aim to simplify the process of selecting a travel insurance provider, ensuring that you have the necessary protection and support during your travels. For more information on our methodology and detailed insights, refer to our full travel insurance report.