Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies in the USA 2026
Traveling in 2026 is easier and more exciting than ever — but unexpected delays, medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage can quickly turn a dream trip into a financial headache. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
Travel insurance helps protect your money and your health when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re planning a domestic vacation, international adventure, cruise, or business trip, choosing the right travel insurance company matters.
In this guide, we break down the Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies in the USA for 2026, based on coverage options, customer service reputation, financial stability, and overall value.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance typically covers:
- Trip Cancellation – Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.
- Trip Interruption – Covers costs if you must cut your trip short.
- Emergency Medical Coverage – Pays medical expenses during travel.
- Emergency Evacuation – Covers transport to a medical facility.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage – Pays for lost or delayed items.
- Travel Delay – Covers extra expenses during delays.
Optional add-ons may include:
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)
- Rental car damage protection
- Adventure sports coverage
1. Allianz Travel Insurance – Best Overall
Allianz is one of the most recognized travel insurance brands in the United States. It offers single-trip, annual multi-trip, and rental car coverage plans.
Why It Stands Out:
- Wide range of plan options
- Strong financial backing
- 24/7 assistance hotline
- Competitive annual travel plans
Best For:
Frequent travelers and international trips.
2. Travel Guard (AIG) – Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Travel Guard, backed by AIG, offers extensive coverage options and customizable policies.
Highlights:
- Multiple plan tiers
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage
- High medical coverage limits
- Strong global network
Best For:
Travelers who want robust protection with customization options.
3. World Nomads – Best for Adventure Travelers
World Nomads is popular among backpackers and adventure travelers.
Why It’s Popular:
- Covers adventure sports
- Flexible policy extensions
- Strong international coverage
Best For:
Active travelers and long-term explorers.
4. Seven Corners – Best for International Medical Coverage
Seven Corners is known for strong international medical plans, including coverage for expatriates and long stays abroad.
Benefits:
- High medical limits
- Travel medical-only plans
- Visa-compliant coverage options
Best For:
Long-term travelers and international students.
5. Travelex Insurance Services – Best for Families
Travelex offers family-friendly travel insurance policies with child coverage included in some plans.
Highlights:
- Kids covered at no extra cost (in certain plans)
- Strong cancellation coverage
- Competitive pricing
Best For:
Family vacations and cruise travelers.
6. AXA Assistance USA – Best for Medical Benefits
AXA offers strong emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
Why Choose AXA:
- High emergency evacuation limits
- Affordable mid-range plans
- Reliable assistance services
Best For:
International travelers concerned about medical emergencies.
7. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – Best for Innovation
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection stands out for modern claims processing and digital tools.
What Makes It Different:
- Fast claim payments
- Travel delay protection
- App-based support
Best For:
Tech-savvy travelers who value quick claims handling.
8. IMG (International Medical Group) – Best for Long-Term Travel
IMG specializes in international medical insurance and longer-term travel coverage.
Highlights:
- Flexible plan durations
- Travel medical plans
- Coverage for extended trips
Best For:
Digital nomads and long-stay travelers.
9. Nationwide Travel Insurance – Best for Cruise Coverage
Nationwide offers strong cruise coverage and comprehensive trip protection options.
Standout Features:
- Cruise-specific coverage
- Good cancellation policies
- Competitive pricing
Best For:
Cruise passengers and vacation packages.
10. Generali Global Assistance – Best for Trip Cancellation Protection
Generali is known for strong trip cancellation and interruption benefits.
Why It’s Included:
- Solid cancellation benefits
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Identity theft assistance during travel
Best For:
Travelers booking expensive prepaid trips.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Company
Choosing the right company depends on your travel style and risks.
1. Consider Your Destination
International trips require higher medical coverage. Domestic travel may focus more on trip cancellation and delays.
2. Compare Medical Limits
Healthcare abroad can be expensive. Look for plans offering at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips.
3. Check Evacuation Coverage
Emergency evacuation costs can exceed $50,000. Make sure your plan includes strong evacuation limits.
4. Look at Trip Cancellation Rules
Understand what reasons are covered. Optional CFAR coverage gives broader flexibility.
5. Review Pre-Existing Condition Policies
Some plans cover pre-existing conditions if purchased within a specific time frame after booking your trip.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance usually costs between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost, depending on:
- Trip length
- Destination
- Age of travelers
- Coverage limits
- Add-ons like CFAR
For example:
- $3,000 trip → Insurance may cost $120–$300.
Tips to Save on Travel Insurance
- Buy early after booking your trip.
- Compare multiple providers.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need.
- Consider annual plans if you travel frequently.
- Check if your credit card already offers partial coverage.
When Travel Insurance Is Especially Important
- International travel
- Cruises
- Expensive prepaid tours
- Travel during hurricane season
- Senior travelers
- Adventure sports trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance worth it?
Yes, especially for international or expensive trips. It protects prepaid costs and medical expenses abroad.
Does travel insurance cover COVID or illness?
Most modern policies include illness-related cancellations, but always confirm coverage details.
Can I buy travel insurance after booking?
Yes, but certain benefits (like pre-existing condition waivers) require early purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies in the USA 2026 provide strong protection for travelers across different needs and budgets. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure, travel insurance offers financial peace of mind.
Quick recommendations based on needs:
- Best overall balance → Allianz
- Best for families → Travelex
- Best for adventure → World Nomads
- Best for cruises → Nationwide
- Best for medical coverage → AXA or Seven Corners
- Best for digital claims → Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Before buying, compare at least two or three providers, review policy details carefully, and choose the coverage that fits your trip.