Best International Travel Insurance in 2025

Is International Travel Medical Insurance Required for Overseas Travel?

Travel insurance is not typically mandatory when visiting foreign countries, however, some destinations, cruise lines, or adventure tour operators may require proof of medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Even if it’s not required, travel insurance is the best way to protect your health and travel expenses while abroad.

Does Domestic Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

No, most domestic healthcare plans, such as Medicare or an employer-sponsored policy, do not provide medical coverage outside of the U.S. In other words, your primary health insurance likely will not reimburse you for any medical treatment you receive overseas. Without proper health coverage, you could be exposed to costly out-of-pocket expenses.

Fortunately, the majority of travel insurance plans designed for international travelers include strong coverage for unforeseen medical expenses. From a broken arm to severe food poisoning, a reputable travel insurance policy can keep your financially protected from the unexpected.

What is the Average Cost of International Travel Insurance?

The cost of travel insurance will depend a lot on your specific trip details. Providers will often consider your age, destination, trip length, total trip costs, and coverage amounts when generating a quote.

In 2025, the average international travel insurance policy cost travelers roughly $310. However, there are ways to lower your premium, such as electing for travel medical policies that don’t include cancellation coverage.

Best International Travel Insurance Benefits

Travel insurance policies are made up of a collection of different benefits that outline what expenses and scenarios are covered. The best international travel insurance will cover unforeseen trip disruptions that result in financial loss while you’re away from home.

We recommend paying attention to the following areas the next time you buy travel insurance:

International Travel Health Insurance

Since most U.S. healthcare plans don’t offer coverage abroad, many Americans turn to travel insurance to protect them from unforeseen medical expenses while traveling. There are two key benefits that can help in the event of a medical emergency; Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation.

The Emergency Medical benefit can reimburse you for the cost of medical care, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medication. For most international trips, we recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. Exclusions and deductibles may apply.

The Medical Evacuation benefit can provide coverage for emergency medical transportation, such as being medically airlifted, to the nearest adequate medical facility. Since the cost of emergency evacuations can be high, we recommend at least $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cancellation & Interruption Protection

Each year, thousands of travelers are forced to cancel their trips or end their trips early for reasons outside of their control. With the cost of international travel rising, protecting your trip expenses is more important than ever before.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption that protect your prepaid, non-refundable trip payments if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Most policies will cover cancellations relating to unexpected injuries, illnesses, the sudden death of a family member, natural disasters, and terrorism.

Coverage for Trip Delays & Missed Connections

Roughly a quarter of all flights in the United States are delayed or canceled. This can be troublesome if you’re traveling internationally and need to catch a connecting flight to reach your final destination. Significant delays can also result in unexpected purchases, such as food and overnight accommodations, as you await your new departure time.

Fortunately, most plans include delay insurance that protect against disruptions caused by inclement weather or mechanical breakdowns. Your Travel Delay benefit can reimburse food and lodging expenses, while your Missed Connection benefit can cover the cost to book new travel arrangements.

Luggage Protection

Millions of bags are mishandled by airlines and other common carriers each year. Being in a foreign country without your belongings can add stress to what’s supposed to be an enjoyable adventure.

Almost all travel insurance policies will include some protection for your personal items. The Baggage & Personal Item Loss benefit will reimburse you for damaged, stolen, or lost luggage, while the Baggage Delay benefit will reimburse you for clothes and toiletry purchases if your bags are delayed en route to your destination.

24 Hour Emergency Assistance

The best travel insurance companies will be by your side every step of your journey. Every travel insurance provider on Squaremouth offers 24/7 travel assistance services to help answer coverage questions, arrange medical treatment, provide claims support, and more.

Extra Travel Insurance Benefits to Consider for Your Trip

Certain trips may call for coverage not included in basic plans. Depending on your itinerary, here are some other potential travel insurance benefits you may want to consider:

• Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Extends medical benefits to cover pre-existing medical conditions that are often excluded from coverage.
• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Provides partial reimbursement of your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a reason that’s not covered by Trip Cancellation insurance.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Provides a cash payment in the event of accidental loss of life or limb during a covered trip.
• Coverage for Adventure Sports: Covers medical expenses relating to an injury or illness sustained while participating in a covered adventure activity. Some adventure travel plans will also include coverage for sports equipment you choose to bring with you.
• Rental Car Damage: Select plans include rental car coverage that covers damage to, or theft of, a rental vehicle during a covered trip.

What Type of Insurance is Best for International Travel?

There are two main types of coverage to choose from when it comes to protecting a trip abroad; Single-trip travel insurance and Annual travel insurance. Both plans offer similar coverage to one another, but vastly differ when it comes to coverage periods.

Single-trip plans are the most common form of travel insurance among international travelers. This type of plan offers coverage for the duration of one trip, with coverage ending on your scheduled return date. Most single-trip plans are comprehensive and include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage.

In contrast, Annual travel insurance plans, also known as multi-trip plans, cover travelers for a 365 day period regardless of how many trips they choose to take. This approach can be cost-effective for frequent travelers planning to take at least three international trips a year. It’s important to note that this coverage option usually won’t reimburse your travel expenses if you need to cancel a trip.

Is International Travel Insurance Worth It?

Yes, travel insurance is worth the cost if you’re concerned about unforeseen events impacting your trip outside the USA. Even if you have existing coverage through a travel credit card, travel insurance can provide overseas health insurance and provide additional coverage for your travel expenses, itinerary, and belongings.

Comparing policies allows you to see how plans compete on coverage and cost. The best travel insurance plan for an international trip will be one that fits your budget, provides an adequate level of coverage, and gives you peace of mind going into your vacation.