The best travel insurance companies
When it comes to travel, adventure is the goal, but unpredictability is a given. Flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies—these are the unwelcome surprises no traveler wants to encounter. That’s where travel insurance comes in. But with so many options, finding the right provider can be as overwhelming as navigating a foreign metro system at rush hour. To make things easier, we’ve narrowed it down to four of the best: SafetyWing, World Nomads, Medjet, and Allianz Travel Insurance. Each of these companies caters to different types of travelers, from digital nomads to adventure enthusiasts, high-end vacationers, and everyday travelers. Here’s a closer look at what they offer—and where they have limitations.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is the best option for digital nomads and long-term travelers. If your idea of travel is more about ‘working remotely from a café in Bali’ than a ‘two-week vacation in Italy,’ SafetyWing is likely the best fit. Designed with digital nomads in mind, SafetyWing offers flexible, subscription-based insurance that covers travelers worldwide. It stands out for its affordable monthly pricing, automatic renewals, emergency medical coverage, and brief home country coverage if you’ve been abroad for at least 90 days. However, it has limited trip cancellation coverage, does not cover high-risk activities, and has more restricted healthcare options for U.S. travelers.
World Nomads
World Nomads is the best choice for adventure travelers. For those who plan to spend their trip scaling mountains, surfing in remote locales, or trekking through jungles, World Nomads is a trusted favorite. Designed for adventure travelers, its plans offer extensive coverage for high-risk activities that most travel insurers do not include. It provides comprehensive adventure sports coverage, flexible plans that can be extended while traveling, emergency medical and evacuation coverage, trip protection, and 24/7 emergency assistance. However, it tends to be more expensive, is not ideal for digital nomads who need long-term coverage, and does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Medjet
Medjet is the best option for frequent flyers and premium travelers. Medjet operates differently from traditional travel insurance providers. Instead of focusing on trip cancellations or lost luggage, Medjet specializes in medical evacuations. If you’re hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, Medjet arranges for you to be transported to the hospital of your choice—anywhere in the world. It provides medical evacuation without restrictions, making it ideal for business travelers and those who prioritize peace of mind. Additionally, it does not require health screening for those under 75 and offers annual memberships for frequent travelers. However, Medjet does not cover trip cancellations or delays, only provides medical evacuation without covering hospital bills, and operates on a membership model rather than a one-time policy.
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance is the best choice for everyday travelers. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, Allianz offers a range of plans to suit different needs. Known for its reliability and comprehensive coverage, Allianz provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance, emergency medical coverage, and baggage protection. It also includes 24/7 assistance, which can be invaluable if your flight is canceled or you need emergency medical care in a foreign country. One of the standout features of Allianz is its annual multi-trip plans, which are ideal for frequent travelers who don’t want to purchase insurance for every trip individually. However, while Allianz is a solid choice for most travelers, its policies can have exclusions for pre-existing conditions unless a waiver is obtained, and some plans may have lower medical coverage limits than specialized providers like Medjet.
The best travel insurance ultimately depends on your travel style. If you’re a digital nomad or a long-term traveler who values affordability and flexibility, SafetyWing is your best bet. If you’re an adventure traveler who needs coverage for high-risk activities, World Nomads is the way to go. If you’re a business or luxury traveler who prioritizes medical evacuation, Medjet offers unmatched peace of mind. And if you’re an everyday traveler looking for well-rounded coverage, Allianz is a dependable option. Whether you’re navigating the cobbled streets of Paris, trekking in Patagonia, or working remotely from a beach in Thailand, the right coverage ensures that the only surprises on your journey are the good kind.
