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International Travel Insurance: A Round-Up of Our Most Popular Guides

Whether you’re a seasoned world traveler or you’re taking your very first trip overseas, having trip insurance can make the journey smoother and safer. But how much protection do you really need? And what sets the best international trip insurance plans apart? Find all the answers in this collection of travel guides.

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What is the best international travel insurance?

This is a great question... with no simple answer. That’s because international trips aren’t all the same. Taking a quick trip to see a friend in Dublin? You’re probably fine with a plan like OneTrip Basic. Trekking in Nepal? You’ll want to upgrade to a plan with substantial emergency medical benefits, like One Trip Prime. And if you often travel overseas, an annual travel insurance plan might be best.

Luckily, we have a quick cheat sheet to help you figure out the right international travel insurance plan for your destination, your needs, and your budget.

What does a good international travel insurance plan include?

The most important things to look for when you’re buying insurance for an international trip:

Trip cancellation/interruption benefits, which can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to one of the covered reasons named in your plan.
Emergency medical and dental benefits, which can reimburse you for the cost of eligible medical care if you experience a serious covered illness, injury, or medical condition while traveling.
Emergency transportation benefits, which can reimburse the cost of pre-approved, medically necessary transportation if you have a medical emergency overseas and you need to be rushed to a hospital.

Why are these the big three? Because medical emergencies and last-minute cancellations are the most expensive problems you’re likely to encounter on your trip overseas. But your trip insurance can do a whole lot more! Here’s what you need to know about the key travel insurance benefits for international travel.

Why buy international travel insurance if I already have health insurance?

Many travelers think their U.S. health insurance will cover them when they’re traveling overseas. They’re often wrong.

Hospitals and healthcare providers in other countries typically won’t accept U.S. health insurance cards. Instead, they require cash payment up front. If you need a medical evacuation, or medical transportation home once your condition is stable, you may get stuck with the bill—unless you have travel insurance.

Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

With gorgeous beaches, majestic ruins, natural beauty and phenomenal food, Mexico consistently ranks as the #1 international travel destination for Americans. Cancun and San Jose del Cabo take the top two spots.

Because Mexico is so close, visitors often wonder if they can skip travel insurance. The answer is no. U.S. health insurance is typically not accepted in Mexico, so travel insurance with emergency medical benefits is a must. If any part of your trip is non-refundable, you need trip cancellation protection too. Your travel insurance can also assist you in case of accidents, natural disasters, and other crises.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Americans love traveling to Europe. The most popular cities to visit: London, Paris, and Dublin. When planning a trip, many travelers wonder if they really need to buy insurance. After all, isn’t medical care free in Europe?

The short answer: For tourists, not always. And despite Europe’s relative stability and strong tourist infrastructure, it’s essential to have travel protection in case of medical emergencies, natural disasters, trip delays, lost or stolen baggage, crime, and other mishaps.

Can travel insurance help if I lose my passport?

Having something happen to your passport is every international traveler’s nightmare. What if you leave it on the plane? What if you drop it in the ocean? What if a monkey steals it and starts ripping out pages ? (Yes, it can happen.)

While it’s true that you can’t travel overseas without a valid passport, there’s no need to panic. If you have travel insurance, contact 24-hour assistance for help retrieving or replacing your passport. Travel insurance can help you make an appointment for a fast passport replacement and connect you with the local U.S. embassy. It may also be able to reimburse you for certain losses and expenses if the lost passport disrupts your trip.

How does rental car insurance work overseas?

In some countries, renting a car can be the best way to get around. Driving gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and explore destinations off the tourist track. But renting a car overseas can get complicated and expensive, especially when you factor in insurance.

In Europe, for example, liability insurance is typically included in the cost of the rental. But that doesn’t cover the vehicle itself. For that, you’ll need a collision damage waiver (CDW), which costs around $15-$30 per day. In case of an accident, you’ll still have to pay a big deductible—unless you also buy a “super CDW” for an extra $10-$30 per day.¹

There’s a better option: The OneTrip Rental Car Protector. This plan provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage up to $50,000, along with 24-hour emergency assistance and more, for only $11 per calendar day.

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Popular Travel Insurance Plans

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, including for pre-existing conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Travel Insurance is a mark of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Partners or its affiliates. Allianz Partners compensates their suppliers or agencies for allowing Allianz Partners to market or offer products to customers of the supplier or agency. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by AGA Service Company, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.