best winter sports travel insurance

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Best Travel Insurance for Winter, Adventure, and Extreme Sports

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Why Get Adventure Sports Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance often excludes high-risk sports, credit card travel insurance often excludes high-risk activities, travel insurance for high-risk sports, how to get travel insurance for high-risk sports, what sports travel insurance costs, how to choose travel insurance for high-risk sports, the best sports travel insurance plans, final thoughts.

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Planning an adventurous trip? Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities or winter or extreme sports. 

Whether diving the ocean’s depths or ziplining through a forest, sports travel insurance can help you go confidently on adventures knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Whether you need emergency assistance and evacuation or a reimbursement for a trip cut short by injury, travel insurance with sports coverage can help.

While standard travel insurance typically offers medical coverage, most policies exclude certain activities, particularly risky sports. But you can purchase a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for all your adventures , either as a stand-alone policy or an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance package.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about travel insurance for sports and adventure activities and how to get that coverage for any high-risk activities you may plan for your travels.

Adventure sports travel insurance covers activities such as mountain climbing or deep-sea scuba diving (i.e. any activity that has a higher risk level than a “regular” travel activity).

While accidents can happen anywhere, you’re particularly vulnerable when away from home. Medical expenses and evacuation can be costly , especially if traveling to remote areas or a foreign country where you’re unsure about quality medical care. Sports travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, ambulance services, and evacuation.

Some travel insurance companies offer emergency assistance services , which can help you get the medical care you need in a remote location or challenging environment. The travel insurance company can provide access to medical professionals, coordinate your care, and arrange an emergency evacuation if needed.

For example, if you’re climbing a mountain and break a leg, adventure sports travel insurance can help get you off the mountain and connected with medical care.

Adventure sports travel insurance can also help if a sports-related injury requires you to cancel or interrupt your trip or if you experience equipment loss or damage. That can save you money on non-refundable expenses and help you replace sports equipment.

While getting travel insurance is wise, you should understand that standard travel insurance policies may not include coverage for certain sports activities . Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for sports-related injuries and accidents, but others may have exclusions or limitations for high-risk or extreme sports.

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, review the terms and conditions to know which sports and activities are covered and any exclusions or limitations you may need to work with. Usually, travel insurance medical coverage encompasses unexpected accidents or injuries, which can include some sports like hiking or snorkeling, for example. But extreme or high-risk sports such as white water rafting or skydiving may not be included.

Exclusions depend on the insurance policy, but here are some examples of sports and activities that your standard travel insurance policy may not cover:

• Base jumping
• Bungee jumping
• Martial arts and combat sports
• Motor racing and motorsports
• Mountaineering and rock climbing
• Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
• Paragliding and hang gliding
• Scuba diving and deep-sea diving

If you find your travel policy lacking in coverage for the activities you’ve planned, you should consider getting additional coverage, such as a specialized sports travel insurance policy or add-on coverage.

Don’t expect your credit card travel insurance to cover extreme sports. 

While you should read the terms and conditions of the policy, most credit card travel insurance policies exclude risky activities , which extends to sports considered extreme. 

Credit card travel insurance often covers basic medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and travel accidents. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® has premium travel insurance, offering up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, along with emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, emergency medical and dental benefits, and other travel insurance benefits.

If you plan to do high-risk activities and use credit card travel insurance, check your coverage and consider upgrading your travel insurance to include your desired activities.

Credit card travel insurance is helpful but sometimes limited, especially compared to adventure sports travel insurance policies. You may need to pay for travel insurance if you’re planning extreme sports or activities.

As you plan an adventurous trip, consider which travel insurance coverage may be most appropriate for your plans. Some travel insurance policies are comprehensive and cover multiple types of high-risk sports, while others are more specialized. 

Because there’s a wide variety of what’s covered (or not) on each policy, using a travel insurance comparison service such as Squaremouth can be helpful. You can search for travel insurance policies that cover the activities you’re looking for and compare costs and coverage.

Consider these types of adventure travel insurance policies or add-ons:

• Adventure Sports: On an adventure sports travel insurance policy, look for covered activities such as hiking, mountaineering, or rafting. The policy may encompass injuries, medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and equipment loss or damage.
• Extreme Sports: Travel insurance for extreme sports typically covers skydiving, bungee jumping, or rock climbing, providing coverage for accidents, injuries, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
• Sports Equipment: Some travel insurance offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage to your gear.
• Team Sports: A travel insurance policy may cover team-related expenses, such as tournament cancellations or travel delays if you travel for competitive events.
• Water Sports: Water sports travel insurance policies may cover surfing, diving, snorkeling, or water skiing. For diving coverage, you should verify that the policy covers the depths you’re planning and whether you need certifications for coverage.
• Winter Sports: Winter sports travel insurance policies are designed for winter sports enthusiasts, offering coverage for skiing or snowboarding-related injuries and emergency medical expenses or equipment loss or damage. Some also cover ski resort closures.

While you can get travel insurance for sports, including high-risk sports, most travel insurance companies have personal liability requirements . Generally, you’re required to act responsibly to use your coverage. That includes not going against local authority warnings, like entering restricted spaces, working close to dangerous animals, or not using proper safety equipment.

Do some pre-trip planning on your chosen activities to learn about the risks and requirements for everything you want to do. You may need to complete certifications or training to participate safely.

Generally, if you want travel insurance for adventurous activities, you should get quotes for a comprehensive travel insurance plan and add a hazardous sports rider. Or specialized insurance providers may offer comprehensive plans for high-risk sports and activities.

Looking for insurance companies specializing in adventure sports is often a good idea to get comprehensive coverage for all your planned activities. 

With any travel insurance policy, you should review the terms and conditions to verify your planned activities are covered. Read your policy documents for exclusions, limitations, or requirements for your chosen activities. You should also verify your coverage limits. 

If you have a health or life insurance policy, check with your insurance carrier about coverage for high-risk sports during travel. While these are likely not covered, you may be able to add a special endorsement to your policy.

Travel insurance that can evacuate you off a mountain sounds like it would be costly, but it might be more affordable than you’d think. It’s certainly less expensive than calling for your own rescue helicopter.

You should expect to pay around 5% to 10% of your total trip cost for sports travel insurance. Your actual adventure sports travel insurance costs will vary depending on your age, trip cost and duration, location, planned activities, and other factors. 

To give you an idea of what you should expect, we got a quote from IMG for an iTravelInsured Travel Sport policy. For a 29-year-old traveler on a $1,500 5-day skiing trip in the U.S., coverage costs $119.65 . 

This policy includes $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and $50,000 in search and rescue coverage. You’re covered for up to $50,000 for medical expenses due to adventure or organized sports, though hazardous and extreme sports are limited to $5,000.

Consider these factors as you compare high-risk sports travel insurance coverage:

• Claims Process and Customer Support: Get the details on what happens if you need emergency assistance or want to file a claim. For example, find out how to get medical attention if injured in a remote area and whether you’re expected to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
• Cost: Expect adventure travel insurance to cost more than standard travel insurance. Cheaper policies tend to offer less comprehensive coverage, so consider your needs as you balance cost and coverage.
• Duration: Some sports travel insurance policies limit the length of coverage for certain activities, so make sure you have coverage for your whole trip.
• Emergency Assistance and Evacuation: You may engage in high-risk activities in remote locations or challenging environments where medical attention is unavailable immediately. A travel insurance policy can offer emergency assistance or evacuation for medical care.
• Exclusions, Limitations, and Deductibles: Every policy has limits — even extreme policies. Find out what’s excluded, the limits of what you can claim, and if you’re expected to pay a deductible before getting reimbursed. Also, understand the terms and conditions, such as duration and geographical coverage.
• Medical Coverage: With a greater risk of injuries from extreme sports, you should ensure that the insurance policy has adequate coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalization, ambulance services, and, if needed, medical evacuation.
• Requirements: You may need to meet age limits and disclose any preexisting medical conditions to get appropriate sports travel insurance coverage.
• Reviews: Consider customer reviews and ratings, which can give insight into a travel insurance provider’s coverage quality, customer service, and claims handling.
• Sports Coverage: Find out which sports and activities are covered so you can verify yours are covered.
• Sports Equipment Coverage: If you’re traveling with costly sports equipment such as scuba gear or snowboarding equipment, compare coverage for loss, theft, or damage to your equipment.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: A travel insurance policy should cover trip cancellation or interruption due to sports-related injuries.

Your high-risk sports travel insurance may require you to participate responsibly. For example, terms of coverage may require you to choose reputable operators, obtain proper training or certifications, follow local regulations, and use appropriate safety gear.

Not all travel insurance providers offer sports travel insurance, but you have options. Compare these leading travel insurance policies for sports:

• battleface : battleface’s adventure sports coverage includes cycling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, canoeing, snowboarding, and more, but it has limitations, including how deep you can dive or how high you can climb.
• Cat 70 : Cat 70’s Travel Plan covers some adventure sports, including snowboarding, but excludes bodily contact sports, skydiving, scuba diving, and more.
• HTH Worldwide : The HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offers coverage for adventure sports, including certified divers up to 60 feet and water rafting grades 1 to 3.
• IMG : IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport plan has a wide range of covered activities, including adventure, extreme, hazardous, and organized sports. However, there are exclusions for races, endurance competitions, and piloting or learning to pilot.
• John Hancock : You’re covered for some — but not all — adventure sports with a John Hancock Gold travel insurance plan. Some exclusions include diving deeper than 100 feet, participating in sports competitions, or contact sports.
• Nationwide : With a Prime plan, you can get covered for adventure sports such as cycling, fishing, rafting, and zip lining, but exclusions apply, such as extreme sports, mountaineering, and organized sports.
• Travelex : The Travelex Adventure Sports upgrade covers professional athletic events, mountain climbing, skydiving, and more. Travelex’s Travel Basic and Travel Select plans provide basic coverage for some activities, including skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving up to 60 feet.
• World Nomads : With the World Nomads Explorer plan, you can get covered for more than 200 activities, including scuba diving, bungee jumping, and mountain biking.

The right travel insurance coverage is essential when embarking on an adventurous trip with high-risk sports or activities. Adventure sports travel insurance can coordinate medical care, offer evacuation, and save you thousands if you’re injured on a trip. Whether bungee jumping or scuba diving, sports travel insurance can provide peace of mind while you’re chasing thrills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adventure sports covered by travel insurance.

Adventure sports can be covered by travel insurance, but extreme sports are usually excluded from standard travel insurance coverage. Review your policy’s terms and conditions to determine whether your desired activities are covered. If not, you may want to purchase additional coverage appropriate for the activities you’re planning for your travel.

Does travel insurance cover water sports?

Travel insurance coverage for water sports varies depending on the policy and provider. For example, your standard policy may cover snorkeling, shallow diving, and surfing but could exclude deep-sea diving or white water rafting.

Does travel insurance cover sports injuries?

Travel insurance often covers sports injuries, but it depends on the sport. If you’re injured doing a sport not covered by your policy — such as ziplining or skydiving — medical care for your sports injury will not be covered. 

What travel insurance includes cover for sports equipment?

Sports travel insurance typically offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage of your sports equipment while traveling.

What travel insurance company covers me for extreme sports?

Several travel insurance companies cover extreme sports, including battleface, Cat 70, HTH Worldwide, IMG, John Hancock, Nationwide , Travelex, and World Nomads.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Winter Sports Travel Insurance – The Ultimate Guide

• August 28, 2023

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If you’re an avid winter sports fan and love to hit the slopes every season, you know that good travel insurance is of paramount importance. But do you know which one offers the best coverage?

Let’s explore the top providers and how they can give you the protection you need during your next winter sports adventure.

What is Winter Sports Travel Insurance?

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Winter sports travel insurance can provide peace of mind when traveling during the colder months. As you plan your snowy getaway, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, and how a special winter sports travel insurance policy may provide you with the protection you need.

Winter sports medical emergency coverage can be critical if you are heading off to a ski resort or secluded area of the mountains on vacation because local healthcare facilities may not be available in an emergency.

With an insurance policy for winter sports travel, you’ll have access to specialized medical care in case something happens while enjoying your outdoor activities.

In addition to medical coverage, policies often provide coverage for stolen equipment, damage or loss of equipment due to breakdowns or delays during trips, and even trip cancellation due to bad weather.

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Additionally, some policies will cover avalanche search and rescue operations if they should become necessary. Knowing that these risks can easily be covered with a proper policy will help alleviate any concerns before beginning your winter vacation.

When selecting your winter sports travel insurance plan, it’s essential to read all of the details before purchasing. Different plans may offer different levels of coverage, so make sure that the one you choose meets all of your needs. 

When properly prepared and protected with a comprehensive plan before heading out on any ski trip or other winter holiday adventure, you’ll have less worry about what could go wrong so that you can enjoy all that nature has to offer when snow hits the ground!

Benefits of Winter Sports Travel Insurance

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Travel insurance for winter sports trips is a must for any traveler heading on an adventure to ski, snowboard, ice skate, or participate in other winter activities. Winter sports travel insurance provides protection from the unexpected dangers of winter sports trips.

Winter sports travel insurance covers you and your possessions in the case of an accident, trip cancellation or interruption, damaged or lost luggage, medical and evacuation expenses, and more. Many insurers even provide coverage for extreme sports such as heli-skiing and shark diving.

The benefits of winter sports travel insurance can include reimbursement for medical expenses such as ambulance rides, doctor’s visits, and surgery if you are injured while participating in a covered activity.

Trip cancellation benefits should you be forced to cancel your ski vacation before it begins, luggage loss protection should your equipment be lost or stolen, and additional coverages like collision damage waiver benefits if you rent snowmobiles or other equipment.

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Winter Sports Travel Insurance also offers coverage when renting expensive specialty sporting equipment such as snowboards, skis, snowshoes, or avalanche airbags.

With so much going on during winter vacations – icy roads, unpredictable weather conditions, high altitudes – it’s crucial to ensure that you have the financial backup to protect yourself from unexpected costs associated with participating in winter activities around the world.

Types of Winter Sports Covered

When traveling overseas to take part in winter sports activities, it is essential to make sure you have the right type of travel insurance . 

Different policies will cover different types of winter sports, and it is important to make sure your policy covers the specific activity you are planning to participate in. 

Here we look at some of the sporting activities typically covered by winter sports travel insurance policies:

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Snow Sports

These are activities that include skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, mogul skiing, and heli-skiing. Policies typically cover associated risks such as an injury due to accidents while participating in these activities, damage or loss of equipment, including skis, snowboards, and helmets, or medical costs.

These are activities such as ice hockey and curling, where blades are used on ice surfaces for sliding or propelling objects. Insurance policies usually provide coverage for medical costs of an injury that occurred while participating in these activities, as well as any associated equipment damage or loss.

Winter Trekking

Many hazard-related risks can be encountered when trekking during winter months. Policies cover medical costs due to accident or illness while out on a trek (including rescue expenses) and associated equipment damage or loss while trekking during cold weather conditions.

Other Winter Activities

Have you planned other cold-weather activities, such as dog sledding? Most insurers will tailor a bespoke policy for activities such as these, ensuring adequate levels of coverage for all associated risks.

Key Considerations When Choosing Winter Sports Travel Insurance

When selecting winter sports travel insurance, there are several important things to consider.

First, it is vital to understand the type of coverage that is included in the policy and any additional coverage that may be needed for specific activities.

Having detailed financial coverage for medical expenses and any losses incurred during the trip is also a good idea.

It is also wise to read through the policy carefully, preserve it safely, and take special care to note critical details such as who is covered under the insurance plan and what activities are not protected . Additionally, bear in mind any exclusions, as they can play an important part when considering whether or not particular areas of coverage are suitable.

When buying winter sports travel insurance, make sure to keep an eye out for all added costs and estimated total premiums for full coverage.

You should also ask about discounts for multiple people traveling on one policy or longer stays in order to get a better deal on overall costs.

Finally, check the details of cancellations or non-refundable items when looking through potential policies to ensure you will be covered if something unexpected comes up during your travels.

Common Exclusions in Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Most winter sports travel insurance policies will have their own exclusions, limitations, and conditions that state what the policy does not cover. 

Winter sports traveler should read their policy very carefully to familiarize themselves with these exclusions, as they will often differ from one situation to the next.

Generally speaking, standard exclusions include the following:

• Damage caused by intentional acts or illegal activities of the insured person.
• Damage caused by drug or alcohol consumption.
• Injuries due to participation in Motorsport or Motorsports related activities (including Skidoo and snowmobile).
• Accidents resulting from air travel or air-related activities (including ski jumping & paragliding).
• Unstable snow conditions (e.g., avalanches & chunks of ice falling off cliffs).
• Poverty or deprivation of basic necessities.
• Treatment for already existing injury or illness that is not complimentary with any other coverage you may have.
• Outdoor/extreme sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, and caving.
• Loss of passports, visas, and documents.
• Expenses incurred due to trip cancellations in advance of the policy commencement date.

How to Make a Claim on Winter Sports Travel Insurance?

Claims on winter sports travel insurance can be complicated, but it is important to understand how the process works before you purchase any policy.

Suppose something should happen while you are away, such as a sudden illness or injury, theft, equipment damage, or even a missed flight connection. In that case, the right winter sports travel insurance policy could help protect you against potentially significant losses.

When it comes time to make a claim on your policy, here are the steps to follow.

1. Contact your insurer urgently in case of an emergency resulting in urgent medical care or the potential loss of your personal possessions.

2. Get a police report if required and make sure that all relevant information is documented correctly when escalating your claim.

3. Collect all necessary evidence and documents, such as receipts that evidence either what you have spent or prove the value of items lost or damaged during travel-related incidents.

4. Submit forms accurately and with all required evidence before the stated deadline for claims under your chosen policy terms and conditions.

5. Have patience, as insurers may require additional information from you, dependent upon the nature of any given claim submitted under your policy terms and conditions.

6. Check with customer services to ensure that everything is progressing correctly. Before an insurer agrees to pay for something, they first need to check that it’s covered by the policy. This means looking at the limits that were set when the policy was agreed upon. If something isn’t covered, then the insurer won’t pay out.

It’s important to remember that both the payer and the provider need to have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t covered by the policy. If there is any confusion, then it’s best to get clarification before proceeding.

7. Finally, It’s important to keep detailed records of all correspondence with insurers in case you need to refer back to them at a later date. This will help you understand the cause of any problems and ensure that you get the full value to which you are entitled. Make sure that you follow all the requirements set out by the insurer so that there can be no confusion or misunderstanding about what is expected from you.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Winter sports have become increasingly popular worldwide, which means it’s more important than ever to ensure you have the best winter sports travel insurance in place before hitting the slopes.

Having travel insurance can provide invaluable protection when things don’t go according to plan and can save you a lot of hassle, wasted time, and unexpected costs.

When considering winter sports travel insurance, there are several tips to keep in mind that can help you make sure that you’re adequately covered:

1. Choose an insurance policy with a good range of coverage – Look into features such as medical evacuation coverage, delay and cancellation cover, and rental car damage coverage.

2. Look for policies that offer extra skiing and snowboarding features – Skiing or snowboarding with specialized equipment? Check that your policy provides cover for ski poles or snowboarding helmets should they break during your travels. Some policies may even reimburse you for costs should you break ski rental equipment while on holiday.

3. Consider buying several days more of coverage than your holiday length – The extra cost is usually negligible compared to other elements of your trip, but it often covers lost luggage and health care bills until your flight home arrives if anything unexpected happens during your trip (or shortly before).

4. Ask about group discounts – Many insurers will offer discounted rates if purchasing winter sports travel insurance as a group – worth checking out as additional savings!

5. Inquire about refunds or partial refunds – When pre-booking activities like ski lessons or lift passes, having pre-trip cancellation cover might be worth considering in case plans change (or activities need to be canceled due to inclement weather).

Summary of Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Winter sports travel insurance is an important consideration when planning a trip to any mountain or ski resort. Winter activities can be a source of excitement and adventure, but they also come with inherent risks that can potentially result in severe injury or financial loss.

Winter sports travel insurance offers protection in case of an accident or the suspension of your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances.

It typically covers medical care and related expenses, as well as personal liability and rescue costs associated with winter sports activities at a destination outside your home country.

This coverage may include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, and other related activities.

In some cases, additional forms of coverage can be included, such as coverage for lost/delayed baggage, missed flights/connections, and cancellations. 

Additional coverage for rental gear or gear depreciation may also be available. Comprehensive winter sports travel insurance should provide enough protection to ensure you return home safely from your winter vacation.

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Get Ski Travel Insurance

Wander More. Worry Less.

If you're brave enough to take on a black diamond, or maybe vacationing with kids just starting out on the bunny slope, chances are you could use ski insurance. Travel insurance for your ski trip can cover injuries on the slopes and during your vacation and is designed to help with winter travel mishaps like flight delays, cancellations, illness and more.*

What winter sports are covered?

Our travel insurance plans can cover winter sports on your trip, such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing/rafting, cross country skiing on marked trails, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating and more. You can also choose a plan designed to cover your sporting equipment if it gets damaged, lost, stolen or delayed. Just be sure that the purpose of your trip is not to participate in any organized amateur sports, professional athletic competitions or sporting events, as those are not covered by our plans.*

What can wreck a ski trip and how travel insurance can help

• Injury & Illness
• Equipment Issues

Winter Travel Chaos Each year winter storms cause cancellations and delays across the country, wrecking travel plans. If you’re forced to cancel or interrupt your trip, how much of that prepaid trip cost could you get back? Travel insurance can help you recoup losses for 20 different covered events that could cause you to cancel your travel plans. Pre-purchased lift tickets can even be covered.

Travel Delays Your flight is delayed for who knows how long in a winter blizzard. You need to decide whether to get a hotel, what necessities you'll need to buy, where to get dinner... Don't worry—Travel Delay coverage is included with every Generali travel insurance plan, so you can be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as hotel accommodations, meals and transportation if you are delayed during your trip.*

Emergency Medical Accidents happen. Even to the most experienced skiers. Our travel insurance plans can help you with a wide range of medical needs while you’re traveling. Whether it’s a case of utilizing our emergency assistance services to see a local doctor for a prescription refill, filing a Medical and Dental claim after a visit to the emergency room because you slipped on ice during your trip, or the rare need to use the Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage for medical evacuation by air ambulance, we’re there for you 24/7/365. 

Flu Season Last winter was one of the most severe flu seasons in recent memory. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for certain medical reasons, trip insurance can help you get reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs that weren't used and additional transportation costs to return home or rejoin your group on the slopes.

Medical Evacuation Get up to $1 Million in Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage — crucial for the slopes. More than 220,000 people a year are treated for winter sports injuries in the U.S. 1  Medical evacuation from a ski resort or even from the mountain could require a helicopter, which is not cheap.*

Lost, Damaged or Delayed Sporting Equipment Flying with skis, a snowboard or other equipment? Travel insurance is one of the best ways to help protect your gear. Our  Preferred and Premium plans  include coverages especially helpful if your equipment is damaged, lost, stolen or delayed on your trip. And, you can get reimbursed for your rentals while your equipment is lost. INFO: Airlines worldwide lose or misplace more than 22 million bags a year. The property that was returned took an average of 1.76 days to get back to their owners.² How long could you go without your gear on a ski trip?

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Frequently asked questions.

If you lose your job and cancel your trip as a result, you could be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable, trip costs. Some requirements must be met.

Our plans don't include Trip Cancellation coverage for work obligations that cause you to cancel your trip, except in the case of unexpected active military duty due to a natural disaster or military leave being revoked. If you want travel insurance that can cover for this reason, consider purchasing our Premium plan and adding Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage . This coverage reimburses you up to 60% of the penalty amount when you cancel your trip for any reason ( requirements apply ).

If you become critically sick or injured during your trip and no suitable local care is available, all of our plans provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and coverage to reimburse your medical and dental costs. In addition, Trip Interruption coverage can reimburse you for lost trip costs while you're in hospital, including prepaid lift tickets.

This can be extremely helpful if, for example, you have a ski accident on the slopes — it could even require medical transportation by helicopter, which could cost a lot.

Our plans also include 24-hour emergency assistance services that can provide immediate assistance if a traveler becomes seriously ill or injured on their trip.

Our travel insurance plans can cover skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing/rafting, cross country skiing on marked trails, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating and more.

The Premium and Preferred plans include Sporting Equipment and Sporting Equipment Delay coverages that can cover winter sports equipment you might bring on a trip, except motorized equipment, dental wear and eyewear.

If your sporting equipment is damaged, lost or stolen during your trip, Sporting Equipment coverage can reimburse the costs to repair or replace your sporting equipment. The Premium plan covers up to $2,000 and the Preferred plan covers up to $1,500.

Sporting Equipment Delay can reimburse you for the cost of locating your delayed Sporting Equipment and having it returned to you, and the cost of renting equipment in the meantime, up to the coverage limit.

The fine print says: "We will not pay for damage to or loss of boats, motors, motorcycles, motor vehicles, aircraft, and other conveyances or equipment, or parts for such conveyances." See the DOC/Policy for more details.

Bad weather is always a risk when traveling during the winter. If a winter storm hits, flight cancellations and delays are bound to happen and you may take on some unplanned costs. If this happens, the Trip Interruption coverage included with travel insurance can cover for additional expenses to help get you to your destination and onto the slopes or back home, in addition to reimbursing you for lost trip costs. Travel Delay coverage is also included for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as meals, local transportation or even additional lodging or parking charges.

If a weather event, like a blizzard is foreseeable prior to you purchasing the insurance plan, then travel insurance may not cover it. If the plan is purchased after a storm is named, coverage is not provided for losses resulting from that named storm.

Read more about how travel insurance can help when you travel during the winter

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• SITA Baggage Report 2018

*Terms and conditions apply.  See plan details  for more details .

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• Adventure & Sports Travel Insurance

Winter Sports

Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

Search for policies that cover sports like snowboarding, skiing, ice skating and more, winter sports travel insurance from skiing to heli skiing.

Travel insurance for winter sports can cover a wide array of activities with varying levels of danger. However, policies for adventurous travelers may still have a list of excluded activities. Coverage for skiing , for example, is included within many policies. On the other hand, coverage for extreme sports or adventure activities, such as heli skiing or ice climbing, can be included but is much less common.

Winter Sports Coverage

What Does Winter Sports Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance for winter sports is primarily designed to provide cancellation and medical coverage. For travelers planning to participate in winter activities during their trip, but are forced to cancel, the Trip Cancellation benefit can refund their prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and expenses related to the activity, such as lift tickets or equipment rentals. In the event of an injury during the trip, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of treating the injury and the cost of a medical evacuation, if necessary.

What to look for when buying travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

Travel insurance for winter sports and activities can vary significantly from policy to policy. Activities that can be covered by one policy, may be specifically excluded from the next. For this reason, for travelers who plan to partake in specific winter sports or activities, it’s important to check a policy’s certificate for a list of excluded activities before purchasing. When buying travel insurance for winter sports, Squaremouth recommends at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

How to search for travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

The Sports & Activities benefit of travel insurance is designed to cover travelers who are participating in sports or adventurous activities. Using Squaremouth’s activity selection matrix below, travelers can enter the specific winter sports and activities they plan to participate in during their trip to only show available policies with the coverage they need.

Search for policies with coverage for winter sports using our selection matrix.

Search Winter Sports Travel Insurance Policies

Search for winter sports and activities you will be participating in during your trip, then select "Continue to Trip Information" to complete your quote.

• Winter dog sledding, glacier walking, skiing, snowboarding and more. Airboarding Bobsleighing Cross-Country Skiing/Langlauf Dog Sledding (Racing) Dog Sledding (Recreational) Glacier Walking Husky Dog Sledding Ice Climbing Ice Holing Ice Skating Ice Speedway Ice Windsurfing Luge Marathon (Arctic) Mountain Biking (Mega Avalanche or Similar) Skiing (Back country with a guide) Skiing (Back country without a guide) Skiing (Backcountry in resort) Skiing (Cat Skiing/Boarding) Skiing (Cross Country) Skiing (Free-Style) Skiing (Heli Skiing) Skiing (Moguls) Skiing (Mono) Skiing (Nordic) Skiing (Para) Skiing (Ski Biking) Skiing (Ski Blading) Skiing (Ski Boarding) Skiing (Ski Cross/Snowboard Cross) Skiing (Ski Dooing) Skiing (Ski Flying) Skiing (Ski Jumping) Skiing (Ski Mountaineering) Skiing (Ski Racing (ski school races etc)) Skiing (Ski Racing) Skiing (Ski Randonee) Skiing (Ski Stunting) Skiing (Ski Touring) Skiing (Slopestyle (no inverted aerials)) Skiing (Snowcat) Sledding/Tobogganing Sleigh Riding Sleigh Riding (Reindeer/Horse) Snow Biking Snow Blading Snow Bobbing Snow Go-Carting Snow Mobiling Snow Parascending Snow Scooting Snow Shoeing Snow Skiing (Recreational Downhill) Snow Tubing Snowboarding Snowboarding (Back-country without a Guide) Snowboarding (Backcountry in resort) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (no inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Heli-boarding) Snowboarding (Recreational) Snowboarding (Slopestyle) Snowboarding (Snowboard Cross) Snowcat Driving Snowmobling Speed Flying/Riding Speed Skating Telemarking Tubing

Please select if you will be participating in amateur or professional events or competitions:

Your quote results will show policies that include coverage for the activities you have chosen, however, we cannot guarantee adequate coverage for your particular trip.

Please either call us or review your policy certificate for coverage limitations and exclusions that may apply to your trip and activities.

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, winter sports travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
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Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

24/7 emergency helpline

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing, winter sports travel insurance will bring some peace of mind to your wintry getaway. We cover potential issues that are exclusive to winter sports, such as lost or damaged equipment, closed pistes and medical evacuation from the mountain. That’s one less thing to think about when planning your ski trip!

What is winter sports travel insurance and do you need it?

Winter sports travel insurance is a specific type of travel insurance that covers the increased levels of risk that come with winter sports. Winter sports are typically activities like skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing.

Winter sports holidays are exhilarating, but there is no doubt that they come with a certain amount of risk. Accidents on the mountain come with an increased level of complexity to treat, which often makes them very expensive.

• More than 200 significant winter sports-related injuries are reported each year, according to the ABTA.
• 12% of people aged 25-34 have gone on a winter sports trip with someone who has a major injury from the slopes, such as a broken bone or concussion, which has landed them in hospital .

Regular travel insurance policies cover accidents and injuries, but they will not cover the high-risk activities of winter sports. Therefore, if you’re injured while skiing or snowboarding, you may not be covered. This makes getting specific winter sports travel insurance incredibly important.

Which winter sports are covered?

Our winter sports travel insurance includes a range of different activities, from skiing and snowboarding to bobsleighing and tobogganing. 

Here’s a list of all the winter sports activities we cover:

• Snowboarding
• Off-piste skiing/snowboarding (except where considered unsafe by resort management)
• Cross country skiing
• Freestyle skiing*
• Mono skiing
• Recreational/non-professional ski racing or training*
• Ski acrobatics*
• Ski bob racing*
• Ski/snowboard fun parks*
• Ski stunting*
• Ski touring with a guide
• Bobsleighing*
• Glacier walking or trekking under 2,000m altitude
• Ice climbing under 100m (fully supervised)*
• Ice fishing
• Ice hockey*
• Snowmobiling*
• Tobogganing

Note: Unfortunately, there is no cover for ski flying, ski jumping or ski mountaineering. For the activities marked with an * above an increased medical excess of £250 will apply and there will be no cover under the personal accident or personal liability sections of the policy. See our policy wording for more details.

What else does InsureandGo’s winter sports travel insurance cover?

What’s covered.

Your travel insurance policy with winter sports added includes:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Cover for cancellation of your trip
• Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
• Personal belongings and baggage cover
• Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
• Accommodation cover
• Legal expenses cover
• Delayed departure cover
• Our 24-hour emergency assistance team , available to call, day or night

What’s not covered?

We strive to provide as much cover as possible. However, there are some situations no travel insurance will cover. For example:

• You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
• Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
• All of our winter sports travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go

We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance . 

The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance for winter sports you buy. Make sure you check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.

To check the policy exclusions and what is and isn’t included, take a look at our policy wording .

Age restrictions

We’ll cover anyone up to the age of 65 for winter sports around the world.

The amount of valuables cover available depends on the policy you choose. Make sure you have a look at our policy wording to see the full terms and conditions. If you’ll be taking away something a bit more expensive you can add our valuables extension .

Lost, stolen or damaged items

Our winter sports travel insurance policies cover all skis, poles, snowboards, boots & bindings. We’ll cover lost, stolen or damaged items, even if they’re stolen out of a ski rack (between the hours of 10am – 8pm). We’ll also cover costs to hire equipment if yours is lost, stolen or damaged.

Unfortunately, we can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are left unattended. We also can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are not reported to the police within 24 hours.

Trip length

Winter sports cover for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay. If you add winter sports cover to an annual multi-trip policy, this will only cover you for 17 days of snowy fun.

The best travel insurance for your winter sports trip

Winter sports cover is added to your travel insurance policy. Not sure what you need? 

• Heading to the Alps? Our Europe travel insurance will have you covered, even if you accidentally ski over the border into another country. 
• Going slightly further afield? Our worldwide travel insurance might be what you need if you’re heading to destinations like the Rockies or Whistler. 
• Doing multiple snowy getaways this year? Our multi-trip annual travel insurance policies will cover you for up to 17 days of wintery fun. 
• Not skiing or snowboarding? Don’t worry. Our winter sports policies cover most winter sports, including ice fishing, bobsleighing and snowmobile rides. 
• Don’t want a pre-existing medical condition to stop you? It won’t. Our pre-existing medical condition travel insurance covers over 1,300 pre-existing conditions, many at no extra cost. 
• We can be as flexible as you need. Already got a policy and need to add winter sports cover? No worries. You can manage your policy online or give our team a call .

Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs

Winter sports insurance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

Just like with every other type of trip, it’s important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance for medical conditions . We’ll consider cover for any medical conditions which are declared to us, even while you’re on a winter sports trip. However please be aware that some conditions, such as osteoporosis may not be covered while you’re taking part in winter sports.

We consider something to be a pre-existing condition if you have: 

• Taken any prescribed medication or received medical treatment within the last 2 years
• Been registered in or been an outpatient at a hospital, clinic or GP surgery in the last 2 years.
• Been advised of a terminal illness.

Before buying a winter sports travel insurance policy, you must let us know about any pre-existing conditions you have. Just call us or use our quick and easy online medical screening.

Which destinations are covered by our winter sports insurance?

We offer winter sports travel insurance policies based on the following destination groupings:

• Europe (plus countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, plus Madeira and The Azores)*
• Worldwide (except the USA , Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean).
• Worldwide .

*Europe includes: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balearics, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine.

If you’ve already bought annual multi-trip travel insurance for a particular area but are now going to be travelling further afield, we can upgrade your cover to include the new destination. Alternatively, you could purchase separate single-trip cover instead, but upgrading your annual travel insurance policy to include worldwide cover can often work out cheaper.

If you’d like to discuss these options, or you’re still unsure which area your trip falls into, please contact us .

How to book our winter sports insurance

We know planning your winter getaway can be complex, so we make getting winter sports travel insurance as simple as possible:

1. Let us know about your trip

We need to know a bit about your trip, who you want to cover and when you want the policy to start. We will also ask you for information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions so that we can provide you with the right level of cover. 

It’s quick and easy to give us this information, either online or by calling our team:

2 . Get your quote

Once we have all the details we need, we will send you your quote. At this stage, you can go ahead and buy your policy, or save the quote for the future.

“Getting a robust winter sports travel insurance policy is so important before heading out. Nobody wants to be airlifted off the side of the mountain, but it’s even worse if you’re paying for it directly. Our winter sports travel insurance policies cover you for that, as well as any lost or damaged equipment, or even if the piste is closed. That leaves you free to enjoy your winter sports break, stress-free.” Russell Wallace – Travel insurance expert

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Frequently asked questions on winter sports travel insurance

How much does winter sports travel insurance cost.

There is no standard cost for winter sports travel insurance. The exact cost of your winter sports travel insurance will vary depending on the length of the trip you’re taking, where you’re going, whether or not you have any pre-existing medical conditions, any activities you’ll be doing, and any additional cover you might need.

Can I get winter sports insurance without travel insurance?

Unfortunately, we do not offer winter sports insurance without travel insurance. To get winter sports insurance, you need to add this specific type of cover to either a single trip or annual multi-trip policy. 

Please be aware that winter sports travel insurance for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay, but is limited to 17 days per year on annual policies.

What to look for in winter sports insurance?

In general, you should look for winter sports travel insurance which provides cover for

• Medical costs while taking part in your chosen activity
• Costs to return you to the UK if medically necessary
• Lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment
• Piste closure
• Cancellation or curtailment

Every provider offers different cover for winter sports, and you should always check to make sure that your policy meets your specific needs.

Is equipment included in winter sports travel insurance?

Yes. All InsureandGo policies with winter sports travel insurance added will cover equipment lost, stolen or damaged, as long as it is not left unattended in a public area. We cover all skis, poles, snowboards, boots & bindings. 

If your skiing equipment is lost, stolen or damaged, we’ll cover it – even if it’s stolen out of a ski rack (between the hours of 10am and 8pm). We’ll also cover the costs of hiring new equipment. 

When should I buy winter sports travel insurance?

You should buy your winter sports cover as soon as you book your winter sports trip, or as soon as possible. Remember that your winter sports travel insurance will only be valid if you have bought it before you leave the UK.

Are there age limits for winter sports insurance?

Unfortunately, our cover for winter sports is only available to people 65 and under (at the time they buy the policy).

How to claim on your InsureandGo winter sports travel insurance

As soon as you know you want to make a claim:

• Contact the claims handlers.   You can either do this online or give us a call
• Gather as much evidence as possible upfront to speed up the process
• Complete the claim form carefully. I nclude any copies of relevant paperwork, such as receipts or medical certificates.  
• Submit the claim. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself. 

Note: Be sure to check the fine print on your policy before claiming. You’ll want to check that you’re within the time limits for making a claim and how much your excess is.

Will GHIC cover me for winter sports?

The GHIC , formerly known as the EHIC or E111, is a medical card that entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment while in Europe. While the cost of medical treatment is reduced or free in some countries, it does not cover anything outside of this, such as airlifting to the hospital.  The GHIC is not an alternative to winter sports travel insurance and does not cover the cost of repatriation if you need to be flown back to the UK. The UK Government advises that all UK nationals get the required level of travel insurance before they leave the country.

 Do I need winter sports insurance for trips to snowy countries?

If you’re planning a snowy getaway, winter sports travel insurance might be sensible – even if you’re not planning on skiing. Remember that winter sports travel insurance covers more than just skiing. If you fancy a snowmobile ride, dog-sledding or a reindeer trip, regular travel insurance policies won’t cover you in case of an emergency or mishap.

What is considered off-piste for travel insurance?

Typically, an area that is considered off-piste for travel insurance is any area that is between the piste-bashed runs. These areas are often unmanaged terrain and can be easily identified by looking at the boundaries on the resort’s map. 

At InsureandGo, we cover off-piste skiing and snowboarding as standard unless the area has been designated as unsafe by the resort.

Who can buy an InsureandGo winter sports travel insurance policy?

All our winter sports travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:

• Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
• They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
• All trips must start and end in the UK

Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.

Travel insurance guides

Frequently asked questions.

If you’ve got more questions about how our winter sports travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs .

Travel advice

Our travel advice section offers handy tips and guides to specific countries, from what documents you need to what you might visit while you’re there.

Travel insurance reviews

If you want to know what our customers think of us, and why they rate us so highly, have a read through some of the reviews they’ve left us.

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Trip delay or cancellation coverage

Accidental injury, travel inconvenience, lost or damaged equipment, should i insure my ski trip.

Snow in the forecast can send winter sports enthusiasts flocking to the mountains for some fresh powder. But unpredictable weather doesn't always make for the easiest travel. Inherently, ski trips might be one of the riskiest to book since you can spend big bucks on ski lift tickets, lodging, airfare and equipment rentals, only to lose the money if the weather doesn't cooperate or an injury occurs.

These kinds of travel woes could affect more travelers as skiing and snowboarding grow in popularity. According to the National Ski Areas Association, there were more than 60 million visits to U.S. ski slopes during the 2021-2022 season, the highest since the organization started keeping track in 1978.

To reduce the risk of losing money on an interrupted or canceled ski trip due to adverse weather, travel insurance can be an option to consider. Some of the more common travel insurance benefits, such as trip delay or cancellation coverage, can come in handy for vacations in winter destinations. Plus, some travelers might already have those benefits through a travel credit card .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Standalone travel insurance plans, which can offer more specific coverage tailored to ski trips, are also available. With these policies, travelers can get reimbursed for more particular expenses related to winter sports travel. 

Here are the types of coverage travelers can expect to find when shopping for travel insurance for a ski trip.

Trip delay and cancellation coverage is a standard part of most travel insurance plans and can benefit those heading toward winter weather. For example, if flights are delayed because of a snowstorm, this type of coverage can help travelers get money back for days they might've missed at the resort. This usually includes reimbursements for nonrefundable travel expenses such as prepaid lift tickets, equipment rentals and other similar expenses.

Trip delay and cancellation insurance could also pay for extra meals and lodging that travelers may have incurred as a result of a delay.

One important caveat is that this coverage usually kicks in for covered reasons only. An airline delaying a flight would be covered, but a traveler looking at the weather report and wanting to bail on the trip for fear of getting stuck wouldn't be. 

Skiers and snowboarders who want complete flexibility to cancel as they please should consider Cancel For Any Reason insurance. This coverage is a special add-on that costs more, but travelers typically receive 50% to 75% of their travel costs back if they cancel for any reason.

» Learn more: 10 best ski hotels to book with points

Injury is another big risk for ski trips. Injured skiers and snowboarders would most likely have to cut their trip short. That's when ski travel insurance with trip interruption coverage would help pay for the costs associated with returning home early.

Note that this coverage differs from travel medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance . Injured travelers will typically have to use some combination of their regular health insurance and travel medical insurance from their winter sports insurance policy (regardless if it's provided through a credit card or bought separately). 

"Depending on where you're skiing, your home health insurance might cover you for an accident. But it also might not if you're outside of your home health network, and certainly not if you're traveling internationally," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.

Advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely need even more coverage. If adventuring into the backcountry, outside of resort bounds or heli-skiing, consider getting additional insurance coverage for adventure sports. 

» Learn more: How to save on a ski trip

This is a vague name for coverage, but it's a good add-on to a travel insurance policy for winter sports trips. "Travel inconvenience," sometimes called "Lost Skier Days," will reimburse travelers if the resort closes because of too much or too little snow.

This type of coverage is typically available from Dec. 1 to March 31 for resorts in the Northern Hemisphere and can reimburse up to $125 in lost expenses per day.

Many travelers are familiar with baggage loss or delay coverage , but some might not know that expensive ski or snowboarding gear might not be covered entirely. After all, typical travel insurance policies insure up to a certain dollar amount only. So if the airline loses your expensive skis, you might not be reimbursed for the full value.

Getting ski travel insurance with coverage for items like skis and snowboards can help. With this coverage, if your gear is delayed, the ski insurance provider will reimburse you, up to a limit, for equipment rentals.

If you're worried about losing the nonrefundable costs of your winter sports-focused vacation, ski travel insurance can provide some peace of mind. Look for coverage that reimburses you in case of winter weather delays or accidental injuries. In addition, travel inconvenience or sports equipment coverage are add-ons that can help you recoup the costs associated with lift tickets and equipment rentals.

Skiing and snowboarding are always an adventure, but delays and accidents don't have to be so costly.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

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June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Are you ready for ski season? Whether you are hitting the bunny slopes or a seasoned pro, there's something for you in our ski travel section; including guides to the best experience, tips for packing and planning, and, how to save money along the way. And remember, a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance is a great way to protect your investment on and off the slopes.

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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.

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 Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, 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 [email protected] .

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Adventurous Sports Insurance

Throwing yourself onto a bike or into the sea be sure you're covered., do i need adventurous sports insurance.

There's a degree of risk to most sports, but particularly the adventurous ones.

Having the right cover in place before you go on holiday means you can try exciting and adventurous sports without worrying about what might happen if something goes wrong.

Admiral Travel Insurance covers a wide range of sports, but let’s take a look at which ones you’re covered for as standard and which you’ll need to pay a bit extra for.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

What's covered under standard travel insurance?

Many of the sports you might want to do on holiday are covered by our standard holiday insurance.

These activities don’t require an extra payment on top of your standard travel insurance – and you’ll be covered for personal accident and legal liability too:

Banana boating

Body/boogie boarding

Canoeing (up to grade two rivers)

Fishing Kayaking (up to grade two rivers)

Parasailing (over water)

River tubing

Sailboarding

Scuba diving up to 30m*

Sea kayaking

Snorkelling

Wake boarding

Windsurfing

Yachting (inside territorial waters)

Water skiing

White/black water rafting (up to grade four rivers)

*For unqualified scuba divers, the diving depth is limited to 30m. (See policy wording for more conditions around scuba diving cover).

Raquet ball

Table tennis

Tennis Volleyball

Beach games

Cycling (except for racing, BMX, mountain biking, and cycling on extreme terrain)

Fell walking

Hiking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Hot air ballooning

Ice skating

Orienteering

Paintballing

Pony trekking

Safari (guided)

Rollerblading/inline skating

Sand boarding

Skateboarding

Trekking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Paddle boarding

Jogging/Running (excluding marathons)

Pony trekking (any equine 58 inches or less at the wither)

Extreme sports travel insurance: how to get covered for hazardous activities

If you couldn’t see your chosen activity on the list above, don't panic. Adrenaline junkies out there can still try that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activity – you’ll just need to pay a little extra to be covered.

When buying travel insurance through Admiral, you’ll get the option to add extra cover for a specific hazardous activity. Just select the sport or activity you’ll be taking part in and pay the extra cost to get cover.

Bear in mind all hazardous sports and activities on our list exclude cover for personal accident and legal liability:

Assault course

Bungee jumping (maximum three jumps)

Canoeing (rivers over grade 2)

Canyon swinging

Coasteering

Gorge walking

Horse riding

Kayaking (rivers over grade two)

Kite surfing (over land)

Sand yachting

Scuba diving to depths between 30m and 50m (requires qualification)

Sea canoeing

Shark diving

White/black water rafting (rivers over grade four)

Yachting (outside territorial waters)

Trekking (up to 4500m altitude)

Hiking (up to 4500m altitude)

Motorcycling over 125cc (Europe only)

Sky diving (max 3 jumps)

Paragliding

If you'd like to be insured for a sport that’s not listed, contact our team to find out if we can arrange cover for you.

What level of cover do I need?

Now you know what activities are covered as standard and which require an extra payment, you need to choose the right cover for your trip. We break travel down into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

See the full list of benefits  in the policy summary booklet .

Winter sports insurance: make sure you're covered

If you're taking to the slopes to go skiing or snowboarding, you'll need to add our  winter sports insurance  to your standard cover.

As well as covering you in case of accidents or injury on the slopes, winter sports insurance means you'll get compensation if your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. It also covers you if your trip is affected by severe weather, like avalanches.

Without the upgrade, your trip won't be covered at all but adding it means you'll get all the standard protection included in our single trip and annual policies as well as cover for the sport you'll be taking part in.

Limitations and exclusions

As is always the case with insurance, there are certain limitations and exceptions that could invalidate your cover.

For Admiral's winter sports insurance, we don’t cover travellers over 75 years old for trips within Europe and over 70 years old for trips outside of Europe.

Reckless behaviour

You won't be covered if you're injured as a result of your own reckless behaviour. This includes:

• Deliberately injuring yourself
• Being under the influence of drugs, solvents or excessive amounts of alcohol
• Not following the safety precautions while taking part in an activity

For a full list of exceptions, see the General Exclusions section in our policy documents .

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

Best International Travel Insurance for May 2024

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the top international travel insurance

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

International travel insurance FAQs

Which company has the best international travel insurance.

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

Are there any limitations or exclusions international travelers should be aware of?

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

What insurance do you need for international travel?

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel?

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

How far in advance should international travelers purchase travel insurance?

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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The Best Long-Term Travel Insurance of 2024

Alex is a MarketWatch Guides team writer that covers automotive and personal finance topics. She’s worked as a content writer for over a dozen car dealerships across the U.S. and as a contributor to several major auto news websites.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Key Takeaways:

• Based on research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team, the best long-term travel insurance providers are Travelex, Allianz, Faye, IMG and World Nomads.
• According to our research, travel insurance companies define long-term trips as those lasting longer than 30 days, with many long-term policies providing coverage anywhere from 90 days to one year.
• Long-term policies can provide similar coverage to a traditional travel insurance plan, such as trip interruption, baggage and medical protection.

Our Rankings of the Best Long-Term Travel Insurance Providers

Our research team found the providers and plans below are the best long-term travel insurance options on the market. We considered coverage, cost, add-on protection and policy length when making our decisions. 

• Travelex: Travel Select
• Allianz : OneTrip Premier
• Faye : Travel Protection Plan
• International Medical Group (IMG) : GlobeHopper Senior
• World Nomads : Explorer Plan

How We Chose Long-term Travel Insurance Plans

When selecting the long-term travel insurance plans featured in this review, we considered various factors, including:

• Coverage : We examined the types of plans available for purchase and the coverage limits each travel insurance provider offered.
• Cost : While long-term travel insurance plans may cost more than a plan for a week-long trip, that doesn’t mean purchasing coverage needs to break the bank.
• Add-on protections : We took note of providers and policies that offered a variety of coverage add-ons, such as rental car collision, cancel for any reason (CFAR) and more.
• Maximum policy length : We looked for travel insurance with policies that could last a minimum of 180 days, favoring companies that offered coverage for up to a year.

Compare Long-Term Travel Insurance For U.S. Citizens

See the table below for a comparison of our recommended travel insurance providers and long-term coverage plans. 

Note: We calculated the below-average costs based on a 30-year-old couple taking a long-term trip to France with $8,000 in non-refundable expenses . Since IMG’s GlobeHopper Senior plan only applies to travelers aged 65 and older, we used a sample 65-year-old couple taking the same trip to France.

Best Long-Term Travel Insurance Plans

Based on our team’s extensive research into cost, coverage, policy lengths and add-on protections, we’ve chosen the following five plans as our picks for the best long-term travel insurance coverage.

Pros and Cons

Why we picked travelex.

Travelex’s Travel Select plan can cover trips for up to one year, making it ideal for long-term travelers looking for comprehensive coverage. This policy offers pricing that includes children and the choice of five different add-ons, including CFAR coverage, car rental collision coverage, an adventure sports exclusion waiver and more. In addition, early purchase benefits include financial default coverage and a pre-existing condition waiver.

Our research has shown that many long-term or annual, multi-trip plans don’t offer benefits such as CFAR coverage or trip cancellation benefits, making Travelex’s Travel Select stand out compared to other long-term plans. However, note that other providers in our review offer higher medical limits with their annual plans over the Travel Select plan.

Allianz Global Assistance

Why We Picked Allianz

Allianz’s OneTrip Premier plan provides a full year of consecutive travel coverage for both you and your children, a potential benefit for travelers with kids planning a long-term stay abroad. The company extends its benefits to each insured traveler, including trip cancellation, trip interruption , emergency medical coverage and more. In addition, pre-existing condition coverage is available if you purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of your first trip payment or deposit.

Allianz also offers what it calls SmartBenefits, which allows you to opt for a fixed “inconvenience” payment of $100 per insured person per day for a covered delay or baggage delay. You won’t need to provide receipts for this coverage, based on our research, just proof of a covered delay. While you may consider Allianz if you’re looking for comprehensive, long-term travel insurance, note that the average cost for the OneTrip Premier plan is higher than those of other providers we reviewed.

Why We Picked Faye

Based on our research, Faye offers a mix of travel and medical benefits that can make its Travel Protection Plan worth considering for a long-term trip. We like how Faye offers policyholders around-the-clock support, including an app to handle travel emergencies and claims. The company also offers telemedicine services at no extra cost. If your telehealth doctor prescribes medicine while you’re on a trip, Faye will reimburse you for the expense.

Faye covers pre-existing conditions with the Travel Protection Plan as long as you purchase a policy within 14 days of your trip. Available add-ons include an adventure and extreme sports waiver, vacation rental damage protection and vet expenses coverage if you take your pet with you on a long-term trip. However, Faye doesn’t offer the longest-lasting plan in our review, with just 180 days of coverage compared to other providers offering around a year.

Why We Picked IMG

Seniors looking for comprehensive travel medical coverage for long-term travel plans may consider International Medical Group (IMG) and its GlobeHopper Senior policy. This plan has no upper age restriction — which, according to our research, is unique in the travel insurance industry. Travelers ages 65 and up can purchase this policy, which can cover up to a year for a single trip. If you’re looking for a long-term, multi-trip senior travel insurance policy, this plan also offers the option of multiple trips per year, up to 45 days each.

We appreciate how IMG allows seniors to choose from various deductibles and maximum coverage limits, making this travel insurance policy more flexible than other companies we’ve researched. While there is no upper age limit, note that coverage limits decline for insured persons 80 years or older.

World Nomads

Why We Picked World Nomads

World Nomads offers the most extensive travel insurance coverage for adventure and extreme sports out of the providers in this review. Its Explorer plan covers medical expenses and evacuations for injuries related to over 200 activities that are often excluded by many policies, such as bungee jumping, scuba diving and more. We also like how you can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started, making it worth considering for last-minute coverage.

While World Nomads’ Explorer Plan could benefit long-term travelers who seek adventure, note that this provider doesn’t extend its coverage to children traveling with you. In addition, the only customization options include choosing between two plans and your length of coverage. If you’re looking for customizable long-term travel insurance or coverage that can protect your family, you may want to consider other options in this review.

How To Pick A Long-Term Travel Insurance Company

As you shop for a long-term travel insurance plan, consider the tips below to help simplify the process of finding the right policy.

Consider Your Coverage Needs

Understanding your travel needs can aid you in picking the best plan. For example, are travel benefits such as trip interruption and baggage coverage most important to you? Or, are emergency medical evacuation and medical care benefits your main concern? Once you’ve decided the types of coverage you want, you can start thinking about how much coverage you’ll need. If you plan on traveling long-term with children, you may also want to look for plans that offer free coverage for kids under a certain age.

Watch for Length Restrictions

Some travel insurance plans will provide more extended coverage than others. If you plan on traveling abroad for a few months, a plan that covers you for up to 180 days may work. If you anticipate staying abroad for up to a year, we suggest looking for plans that can cover you for that amount of time. In our experience, travel insurance providers will plainly state how long a covered trip can last, so it’s best practice to read through sample contracts before purchasing a plan.

Single Versus Multi-Destination Trips

Consider whether your long-term travel plans will include one or multiple destinations. Based on our research, some long-term plans will only cover a stay in one location. If you’re looking for coverage in numerous countries, a multi-destina t ion travel insurance plan may offer a better fit. However, according to our research, you may need to return to a home base between trips.

Understand Coverage Details and Exclusions

All travel insurance plans have a set list of exclusions for the coverage offered. Make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your chosen policy. For example, if your plan covers lost baggage, note any sub-limits or items excluded from your plan. It is also important to understand the maximum benefit amounts for each of the coverages you’ve purchased and whether any deductibles or copays are required before your policy kicks in.

What Is Long-Term Travel Insurance and How Does It Work?

Long-term travel insurance covers trips lasting longer than the time limits most travel providers set for a standard policy. For example, most insurers offer single-trip plans that cover trips lasting up to 30 days. However, a long-term policy often covers travels lasting more than 90 days, with some providing coverage for up to a year. If you choose an annual travel insurance plan for your long-term travel needs, note these policies don’t usually offer trip cancellation coverage as a standard inclusion.

A long-term policy can provide similar coverage to a traditional travel insurance plan. It can protect against trip interruptions , delays, baggage loss or damage, and more. In addition, it can cover emergency medical situations and evacuations while traveling. Long-term plans can help prevent travelers staying abroad for extended periods of time from having to purchase multiple policies to cover the duration of their trip. These plans can also cover multiple destinations , which may suit long-term travelers going from place to place.

According to our research, long-term travel insurance policies may best suit digital nomads, expats and international students. For those more concerned about their health in the event of an illness or accident over travel benefits, you may consider a long-term travel medical insurance plan for your trip. It’s best practice to consider your unique travel needs before settling on a plan, and taking the time to research long-term travel insurance can ensure you find a policy that suits your plans. 

Long-Term Travel Insurance Costs

Based on the quotes we gathered, a long-term travel insurance policy may cost $540 to $1,576 . To help you better understand the cost of a long-term travel insurance policy, we gathered quotes for a 30-year-old couple taking a long-term trip to France with $8,000 in non-refundable expenses. Since the GlobeHopper Senior covers senior travelers, our team gathered rates for a 65-year-old couple taking the same trip outlined above to France.

Comparatively, the average cost of a standard travel insurance policy for a short-term trip is around $221. We calculated this average based on quotes we gathered using seven unique traveler profiles across 20 different travel insurance companies. 

Travel insurance costs are influenced by several variables, such as plan details, trip costs, trip length, traveler age and more. Your exact costs for each of these policies will likely vary. The best way to learn how much one of the above plans could cost you is to get a quote from each company.

How Is Long-Term Travel Insurance Different From Regular Travel Insurance?

Long-term travel insurance differs from a standard travel insurance policy in that coverage is meant for trips lasting more than a few weeks. Typically, most standard single-trip plans can last up to 30 days. However, a long-term policy could cover anywhere from 90 days to a full year, depending on the provider.

While maximum trip lengths differ between policies for long-term and short-term travel, our research found the coverage offered remains largely the same. For example, both short- and long-term travel insurance policies usually offer trip benefits — such as trip interruption and baggage coverage — in addition to emergency medical assistance and evacuation coverage. However, some long-term or annual travel insurance plans may not offer certain add-ons, such as CFAR coverage or trip cancellation protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Long-Term Trips

What is the longest you can get travel insurance for.

The length of a travel insurance policy depends on your chosen provider and plan. In this review, the longest-lasting policy can cover you for up to one year. However, other providers may offer plans that cover you for more extended periods.

Can you buy travel insurance for a whole year?

Yes. Various providers offer travel insurance plans that can last up to a year. However, our research found that some annual plans may only cover travel to one destination over this time. If you’re looking for coverage to multiple destinations, you may want to consider a multi-trip travel insurance plan.

Can you buy travel insurance for a six-month trip?

Travel insurance companies such as Faye and World Nomads offer policies lasting up to six months, according to our research. Most providers will note upfront how long each policy can last, so we recommend reading sample contracts and policy documents to ensure a plan will cover you for your entire trip.

How long does travel medical insurance coverage last?

The length of a travel medical insurance policy depends on your chosen provider and plan. Reading through coverage details on a provider’s website or sample contracts can help you better understand what a plan covers and related monetary and time limits.

How We Rated and Reviewed Long-Term Travel Insurance Companies

Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%) : We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%) : We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%) : We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%) : We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Note: We based our ratings for each provider on each company as a whole, not just available long-term travel insurance offerings. Learn more about how we chose each long-term travel insurance plan in the sections above .

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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