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World First Logo

World First Reviews

World First offers single trip policies for anyone aged up to 100 and they can provide you with cover for trips up to 12 months away.

  • Service (2)
  • Renewals (0)
  • Sentiment Score: 10.0/10
  • 11370 reviews found on websites such as TrustPilot
  • Their Exclusive, Premier, Standard and Superior levels of cover are rated 5 Star by Defaqto
  • Up to £10 million medical cover
  • 24-hour multi-lingual emergency helpline with legal advice
  • 14 day money back guarantee
  • Cover for most pre-existing conditions
  • Over 75 sports and activities covered as standard
  • Rated 5 stars by Defaqto
  • Claims (0),
  • Service (2),
  • Renewal (0)

Great Service

Great value covering existing medical conditions for a much better price than others.

Great to know they offer competitive prices for covering medical conditions.

Used this company last year, great service, smooth transaction.

Great to hear. Thanks for leaving a review Emma.

Quotes our team received

Single Trip

Trip Details

7 nights in Spain

Single Trip Quote

Medical cover limit, cancellation cover limit.

Annual Trip Quote

Worldwide cover including USA

Annual Trip Quote

Frequently asked questions.

World First offers three main travel insurance policies; Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip and Backpacker & Longstay. They also provide other travel insurance policies including Family, Medical, Cruise, and Winter Sports.

World First does not cover travel to a country, specific area or event which the Travel Advice Unit of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all travel or all but essential travel. For more information, visit the FCO website .

Yes. World First does provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer, angina, HIV, heart disease and many more conditions other insurers won't.

World First doesn’t provide a time limit for dealing with claims.

Travel Insurance Guides

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World First Travel Insurance   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

11,605 total

Most relevant

still alive and kicking

your form helped me to put in relevant info and didn't leave me feeling frustrated that there were not the boxes to clarify information. Many more of us will be living with conditions like cancer for a long time, and with our careful medication we can still enjoy life, not sit waiting to die!

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

Good service

The application was straightforward and quick to complete. Response to my questions was prompt and the staff were very professional and friendly.

Date of experience : 13 May 2024

Above and beyond

Your advisors were very thorough and informative with our particular case. This was very reassuring and helped us to make the decision to purchase.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Good Experience …

The lady I spoke to (Amber) was very efficient and friendly. The quote for multi-trip world wide travel insurance was very acceptable. This is the second time I have used World First.

Date of experience : 07 May 2024

Needing to feel confident in my insurance

I actually bought holiday insurance from the company we were travelling with. However, something niggled away at me. I’d bought travel insurance from World First Travel before and liked the way that they had a complete picture of my medical condition. I felt reassured that should I need help when abroad, there’d be no quibble with my insurance. So, in spite of already having insurance, I bought another policy with World First Travel. We were only going for a week to the Netherlands! But once I had bought it, I slept well that night…

Date of experience : 19 April 2024

Great website and really easy to use

Great website and really easy to use. Straight forward questions reference medical issues. Very impressed.

I was very disappointed to only find…

I was very disappointed to only find out about the £500 medical excess at the very best of the process once attempting to pay!

Date of experience : 14 May 2024

Made it simple to use the application

Made it simple to use the application, with a positive result even though I am on (very successful) treatment for CLL

Date of experience : 02 May 2024

Good level of cover at a reasonable…

Good level of cover at a reasonable price from a well rated DeFaqto company

As like last year when I took out…

As like last year when I took out insurance with first World they were very helpful, polite and friendly, highly recommended

Date of experience : 29 April 2024

Very thorough with all things medical

Very thorough with all things medical. Great details they went through everyone's details and medication to ensure we were all covered for the right amount.

Date of experience : 09 June 2023

Incredibly Helpful

I have complex needs and rather ancient! The agent I spoke to was very kind, knowledgeable and helpful, so much so that I have asked World First to cover all my trips this year, including the USA. The best find ever.

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

I can not thank them enough for dealing with me so efficiently

My experience dealing with World First was efficient and friendly they never made you feel different to any other person

Date of experience : 01 May 2024

These are brilliant

These are brilliant! I had almost given up hope of getting some insurance but as soon as I spoke to them and the questions they asked I knew they were different to the rest and knew there stuff. So helpful. First class

Date of experience : 15 April 2024

HThe application was easy to fill out

The application was easy to fill out. The price was very honest and good value for money. Easy to print application out and ready for the holiday.

Great for people with medical conditions

Great for people with medical conditions, straightforward, easy to use website. Excellent price and cover.

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

Quick and efficient service

Quick and efficient service. Very competitive prices, have used many times and will use again . Highly recommended to all especially if you have health issues. Brilliant.

Great service

Great service! Great people! Highly recommend

Best deal of the day

I got quotes from various other companies which were well over the amount i wished to pay. All due to a medical condition i have. This company was recommended to me and after getting a quote online(which was well within my budget), I called them and the deal was done. Ari was extremely helpful and polite. I will definitely be using worldfirst again

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Easy to complete on line form and a…

Easy to complete on line form and a quick quote provided.

Suggested companies

Trailfinders, allclear travel insurance, avanti travel insurance.

world first travel insurance

World First Travel Insurance   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

11,605 total

Most relevant

Efficient and good to be able to speak…

Efficient and good to be able to speak to someone who can answer my questions sensibly and coherently.

Date of experience : 29 April 2024

Holiday insurance

I recently purchased a policy with World First, the lady I spoke to was very pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. There was no pressure to purchase the policy, just help and good advice. The cost was very reasonable and tailored to my travel needs. I will definitely be using World First in the future.

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Big thanks from Wife and Me.

when you are diagnosed with a hindering ailment everything seems to be against you. especially the "t" word which one you get slapped int he face with. World First. nope! - some way the wording, process, questions are sympathetic and for an insurance company. make you feel they are here to help you get on with your life. Big thanks for the people who recommended world first. top notch company. no messing and clear amazing cover. Big thanks from Wife and Me.

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

Very Good Price for prostate cancer

I had tried a different company for travel insurance which used the same questionnaire so I had researched the answers needed to complete the online form. My husband has prostate cancer with complications so the questions did seem to go on for ever, but persevering I got to the end and the price was great. For the same level of cover as another firm with simpler questions was £400 compared to £900. It was worth the effort as we hope (health permitting) to have a second holiday but did not want to risk an annual policy quote (tempting fate as). Let us hope we do not need to claim on the policy as the proof of a good policy in the end is whether you get the help you require!

Date of experience : 28 March 2024

Easy to navigate site and concise

Easy to navigate site and concise, easy to understand questions.

Date of experience : 08 May 2024

Without a doubt!

I have been using World First for years. I like the way they ask more detailed questions about health problems so they get a true picture of you. There quotes are always more competitive than others and their customer service team are very friendly and helpful. When they restructured and I had to use someone else for a year it cost a lot extra

Date of experience : 15 March 2024

I've been insuring with World First for…

I've been insuring with World First for a few years now as their rates were competitive. Last year I had to make a claim for the first time and the team were helpful, clear and made the process OK.

Date of experience : 30 November 2023

Very comprehensive medical screening…

Very comprehensive medical screening questions resulted in a substantially lower cost than any of the other well known companies

Date of experience : 10 May 2024

Holiday Insurance

The form was easy enough to fill in the response was very quick. No fuss.

Date of experience : 05 May 2024

A very good experience

I had found a quote on line but wanted to discuss it before committing myself. The person I spoke to was clear, pleasant and knowledgeable and managed to ask questions without rushing through them. I was very happy with the quote and with the service from the agent.

Date of experience : 12 March 2024

I came across World-First way before…

I came across World-First way before Covid. They are fantastic and I would recommend them without any doubts. I have complicated health issues, each one when screened actually asks such relevant questions to the condition. It is such a relief to be covered and get an annual policy. Many of my friends and family use them. One time I was unable to go due to to a health problem and they paid out quickly and with no fuss.

Date of experience : 16 February 2024

clear algorithm and quick message

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

holiday insurance with World First

I've taken out holiday insurance with World First a number of time's. Because World Fist are not faceless like so many companies today. They are very competitive in pricing and offer good level of cover. I just feel more comfortable in taking out holiday insurance with World First.

Date of experience : 12 February 2024

We’ve used this company for years

We’ve used this company for years , always so helpful and great customer service. I’ve a health condition so always want to chat through with them .

Holiday insurance. I have used World First for all my holiday insurance & have always found them to be extremely helpful in explaining their policies, very easy to do business with, always polite. I recommend them.

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

Very helpful

Didn’t have to wait too long to speak to a real person and when I did they were extremely helpful. Very competitive quote which I accepted! Obviously the real test is if (heaven forbid) I have to make a claim.

Date of experience : 13 March 2024

Excellent customer service

Positive experience due to excellent customer service. My phone call for a quote was answered quickly by a friendly and professional representative who spent time ensuring my travel insurance policy met my requirements. Very happy to recommend World First.

Date of experience : 09 April 2024

Number one travelling company

I have used world first for a number of years now because of their understanding of my medical conditions. They screen all of the issues that I have and because they understand how they effect me and the limited risk they pose they are able to cover me at a reasonable price.

Date of experience : 23 March 2024

Competitive quote despite pre existing medical condition Due to having a pre existing medical…

Due to having a pre existing medical condition I had to shop around. Some insures wouldn’t even insure despite my condition not impacting on my everyday life. World first were extremely responsive and provided a competitive and comprehensive quote. I actually spoke to ‘a person’ on the phone which was a bonus. Very pleased with the outcome

Date of experience : 29 January 2024

Excellent service at a reasonable cost

We found World First to be very helpful and thoroughly professional throughout the whole process. It is our first time using World First following a personal recommendation and we are sure it won’t be the last.

Date of experience : 22 March 2024

Suggested companies

Trailfinders, allclear travel insurance, avanti travel insurance.

world first travel insurance

World First Travel Insurance   Reviews

In the Travel Insurance Company category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Your profile picture

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

11,605 total

Most relevant

still alive and kicking

your form helped me to put in relevant info and didn't leave me feeling frustrated that there were not the boxes to clarify information. Many more of us will be living with conditions like cancer for a long time, and with our careful medication we can still enjoy life, not sit waiting to die!

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

Good service

The application was straightforward and quick to complete. Response to my questions was prompt and the staff were very professional and friendly.

Date of experience : 13 May 2024

Above and beyond

Your advisors were very thorough and informative with our particular case. This was very reassuring and helped us to make the decision to purchase.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Good Experience …

The lady I spoke to (Amber) was very efficient and friendly. The quote for multi-trip world wide travel insurance was very acceptable. This is the second time I have used World First.

Date of experience : 07 May 2024

Needing to feel confident in my insurance

I actually bought holiday insurance from the company we were travelling with. However, something niggled away at me. I’d bought travel insurance from World First Travel before and liked the way that they had a complete picture of my medical condition. I felt reassured that should I need help when abroad, there’d be no quibble with my insurance. So, in spite of already having insurance, I bought another policy with World First Travel. We were only going for a week to the Netherlands! But once I had bought it, I slept well that night…

Date of experience : 19 April 2024

Great website and really easy to use

Great website and really easy to use. Straight forward questions reference medical issues. Very impressed.

I was very disappointed to only find…

I was very disappointed to only find out about the £500 medical excess at the very best of the process once attempting to pay!

Date of experience : 14 May 2024

Made it simple to use the application

Made it simple to use the application, with a positive result even though I am on (very successful) treatment for CLL

Date of experience : 02 May 2024

Good level of cover at a reasonable…

Good level of cover at a reasonable price from a well rated DeFaqto company

As like last year when I took out…

As like last year when I took out insurance with first World they were very helpful, polite and friendly, highly recommended

Date of experience : 29 April 2024

Very thorough with all things medical

Very thorough with all things medical. Great details they went through everyone's details and medication to ensure we were all covered for the right amount.

Date of experience : 09 June 2023

Incredibly Helpful

I have complex needs and rather ancient! The agent I spoke to was very kind, knowledgeable and helpful, so much so that I have asked World First to cover all my trips this year, including the USA. The best find ever.

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

I can not thank them enough for dealing with me so efficiently

My experience dealing with World First was efficient and friendly they never made you feel different to any other person

Date of experience : 01 May 2024

These are brilliant

These are brilliant! I had almost given up hope of getting some insurance but as soon as I spoke to them and the questions they asked I knew they were different to the rest and knew there stuff. So helpful. First class

Date of experience : 15 April 2024

HThe application was easy to fill out

The application was easy to fill out. The price was very honest and good value for money. Easy to print application out and ready for the holiday.

Great for people with medical conditions

Great for people with medical conditions, straightforward, easy to use website. Excellent price and cover.

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

Quick and efficient service

Quick and efficient service. Very competitive prices, have used many times and will use again . Highly recommended to all especially if you have health issues. Brilliant.

Great service

Great service! Great people! Highly recommend

Best deal of the day

I got quotes from various other companies which were well over the amount i wished to pay. All due to a medical condition i have. This company was recommended to me and after getting a quote online(which was well within my budget), I called them and the deal was done. Ari was extremely helpful and polite. I will definitely be using worldfirst again

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Easy to complete on line form and a…

Easy to complete on line form and a quick quote provided.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Elina Geller

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on American Express' website

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

world first travel insurance

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

world first travel insurance

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

world first travel insurance

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

world first travel insurance

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

world first travel insurance

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

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

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be the difference between a huge medical bill or a modest copay. use these tips to find the best policy for your trip..

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A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

For many, travel insurance seems like an unnecessary additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly becomes a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her monthlong $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be protected regarding some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but the coverage is usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service . While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like SquareMouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Experts say that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even fewer risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit: that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are covered up to a certain level of intensity; any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Afar’s Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have preexisting conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with preexisting conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios; rather it provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500, but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the plan for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

  • $138 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
  • $179 for a basic plan with Allianz
  • $248 for an essential plan with AIG
  • $261 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency SmartFlyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

  • Travelinsurance.com
  • SquareMouth
  • Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website Elliott Report is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner rather than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with preexisting conditions need to consider other factors. Most insurers will cover only expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with preexisting conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame, usually between 14 and 21 days, following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please) and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out-of-state, or international. Some destinations are at higher risk than others, so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

  • Health insurance: Many U.S. health-care policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
  • Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
  • Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
  • Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay non-emergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able; it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase: It can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes routine and a necessary part of every trip. Once it does, you can travel worry-free, secure in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, and on May 15, 2024, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Which travel insurance is best?

One company that offers insurance for digital nomads is a clear winner, and another is a total dud.

If you travel, you almost certainly need travel insurance — especially for health care, which can be expensive even in “affordable” countries. Emergency evacuation alone can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (USD).

To my mind, it’s not worth risking bankruptcy just to see the world.

There are at least three major companies that offer health care policies specifically designed for long-term travelers — expats or nomads like Michael and me: Genki , SafetyWing , and World Nomads.

Michael and I have used all three companies, and I’ve also spent a fair amount of time researching them. I’ve concluded that one company offers far and away the best travel insurance product; one offers coverage that is merely fair; and a third has a product that is borderline terrible.

But before I reveal my conclusions, here are some thoughts on health insurance and travel insurance in general.

There are lots of different companies that offer travel insurance, but many people don’t know that almost all of them require that you purchase their policies before you leave home. These companies are also likely to ask exactly where you’re going and when you’re returning.

This is a problem for nomads and expats, who are away for long periods of time and who don’t necessarily know where we’re traveling next month, much less six months from now.

Genki, SafetyWing, and World Nomads, unlike most companies, allow you to purchase insurance after you’ve left home, from almost anywhere in the world.

Here’s another fun fact most people don’t know: most travel insurance is instantly void if you return to within a hundred miles of your home address — and there’s no refund, thank you very much.

This is another problem for nomads, who frequently make brief, unexpected trips home.

Two of the three above-mentioned companies don’t follow this practice. But one does.

What about the travel insurance that comes with your credit card? The fact is, some “travel” credit cards offer reasonably good coverage. But keep in mind that being insured through a credit card requires that your trip be purchased with the credit card. If you’re living somewhere for two months, will the credit card pay for medical care based on the fact that you happened to fly there two months before, with no return ticket?

Another issue: how is travel health insurance different from “regular” health insurance?

It’s much cheaper, for one thing.

But that means travel insurance is also limited . Travel insurance only covers health care that is “medically necessary” — typically just emergency health care. They will cover treatment for covid, for example, but they generally won’t cover testing or the cost of a quarantine, as the latter two are not medically necessary.

Travel insurance is also always time-limited. Problem is, if you get a major malady toward the end of your travel policy’s “term,” continuing coverage will almost certainly be denied — and you now have a major “pre-existing condition,” making it essentially impossible to get your illness covered by any other company.

This sounds like a small deal, but it’s not. After all, the whole point of insurance is to cover extreme, extraordinary mishaps that you couldn’t pay for on your own.

In short, travel insurance usually acts as a time-limited supplement to your traditional coverage, which is most likely in your home country.

In America, thanks to Obamacare, you cannot now be denied insurance or coverage due to a pre-existing condition. But to apply, you may have to wait until the annual enrollment period, which is in November. (Merely returning to your home state after a long time away is probably not a “qualifying event” that waives the enrollment restrictions . But if you move to a new state or switch jobs, that might be.)

It’s also possible to get a single, comprehensive “international” policy that isn’t term-limited. This is called international health insurance — or sometimes “expatriate” or “long-term international” insurance — and it covers you indefinitely, in multiple countries, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. It also covers more than just “medically necessary” health care.

Both Genki and SafetyWing — but not World Nomads — also offer “full” international health insurance. Genki calls this their "Genki Resident" plan, and SafetyWing calls it "World Health."

But this article is about travel insurance from Genki, SafetyWing, and World Nomads — specifically, which company is the best on that particular front.

So let’s get to it, shall we?

Full disclosure: I’m not an expert — I’m just a nomad who has researched this subject a lot. Please don’t let me be your last word and be sure to do your own research. Also, terms and conditions are constantly changing.

That said, here are my findings:

GENKI EXPLORER TRAVEL INSURANCE

Genki is the newest of these three options for travel insurance. Their travel insurance only used to be available to folks up to age 49, but as of June 1st, 2023, they now offer their product to people up to the age of 69.

What I Like:

Genki’s travel insurance is the least expensive of the three companies I’m examining here, at least for most people. With Genki’s standard $53.45 USD deductible, a 29-year-old American pays $52.39/month USD, a 44-year-old pays $78.43/month USD, and a 62-year-old pays $183.65/month USD. It works like a subscription, you pay once a month, and you can cancel at any time. You also have the option of a $0 deductible, but it raises the price considerably.

There are no limits or maximum pay-outs on medical coverage or medical evacuation — which is extremely generous compared to the other two companies I'm examining here. If sick or injured, Genki will also transport you back to your home country if that’s what you choose — like World Nomads, but unlike SafetyWing, which will only pay to take you as far as the nearest appropriate medical facility (unless approved by a doctor).

There are fewer restrictions on what’s covered than the other two companies. Genki’s travel insurance includes fairly generous pregnancy coverage (assuming it isn’t a pre-existing condition), some emergency dental ($534 USD max), and even some emergency psychiatric care ($21,367 USD max).

You are covered everywhere in the world, even your home country (provided you leave your country at least once first). In the U.S. and Canada, your coverage is limited to six weeks per 180 days and only includes accidents and life-threatening emergencies — but this is still more generous than either SafetyWing or World Nomads. (In the U.S. and Canada, there is a $267 USD deductible.) It’s possible to get this U.S./Canada emergency coverage for more than just six weeks, but it will more than double your price.

Genki defines “pre-existing condition” as anything that you have had treated in the six months before signing up — which is a more liberal definition than either SafetyWing or World Nomads, which both exclude any previous medical condition throughout your entire life.

They include an option of their paying the doctor or hospital directly (via an app called AirDoctor), which means you don’t have to pay yourself and file paperwork to get reimbursed. But if you do submit your claim yourself, the process is very simple and fast — within a month and usually less.

Genki offers coverage of up to two years (and is then renewable), which is much longer than SafetyWing (which offers one-year renewable terms) or World Nomads (which offers six-month renewable terms).

Genki is new, but they’re partnering with long-established insurance companies, Allianz Partners and DR-WALTER. They’re also regulated in the EU, which has strong consumer protections.

What’s the catch?

Genki is just health care insurance. Unlike SafetyWing and World Nomads, it does not include coverage for trip interruption or cancellation, flight delays, lost luggage, loss due to theft or burglary, or personal liabilities. If you want these protections, you need to get them elsewhere — although your travel credit card may offer some of them.

If you sign up from abroad, your coverage is limited to only true emergencies for the first 14 days.

The $53.45 USD deductible is per claim , not per term.

SAFETYWING NOMAD TRAVEL INSURANCE

They're established, offering nomad insurance since 2018.

They recently eliminated their deductible. If a treatment is covered, you pay nothing.

They do offer coverage for trip interruption or delay (but not cancellation), lost luggage, theft, and some personal liability, and they too offer some emergency dental coverage ($1000 USD), but no emergency psychiatric care at all.

SafetyWing’s maximum medical pay-out tops out at $250,000, which is fairly decent — better than World Nomads ($100,000), but not as good as Genki (no limits). However, for clients over age 65-69, they have a maximum pay-out of only $100,000.

If you are traveling with children, one child less than ten years old is covered for free, per adult sign-up. But there is a maximum of two “free” children per group or family, and you have to add them as group members to your policy when you sign up.

You’re covered everywhere in the world outside of your home country (see below), but not in countries that are subject to U.S. or EU sanctions. This is better than World Nomads (which has a complicated system), but worse than Genki (which has no exclusions whatsoever).

Regarding coverage in your home country, after three months of coverage, SafetyWing will cover you for 30 days at home (only 15 days in the U.S. or Canada, and only for true accidents and emergencies, and in the U.S., there is a $100 per-claim deductible). As with Genki, longer-term emergency coverage in the U.S. and Canada is possible, but, again, this will dramatically raise the price.

What’s the Catch?

Unlike Genki, except in dire emergencies, SafetyWing does not pay the hospital directly. Instead, you pay out-of-pocket, and then the company reimburses you. But they also refuse to say beforehand exactly what specific treatments are and aren’t covered. You’re entirely at their mercy, and I have personally found this lack of openness to be absolutely infuriating.

When they recently eliminated their deductible, they raised their prices. A 29-year-old now pays $56.28/month USD, a 44-year-old pays $92.40/month USD, and a 62-year-old pays $196.84/month USD. It can be paid as a monthly subscription, or in a flat sum for a set period of time.

Unlike Genki, they specifically exclude cancer. And their only pregnancy coverage, which stops at 26 weeks, is for “complications.”

Their emergency evacuation and medical evacuation coverage is very poor, almost a deal-breaker. They’re maximum payment here tops out at a modest $100,000. Even worse, they’ll only promise to transport you to the nearest appropriate medical facility, not necessarily to your home country. They may pay for transportation home, but only if a doctor deems it “medically necessary.”

They do not insure people over the age of 69.

WORLD NOMADS TRAVEL INSURANCE

They’re very established, underwritten by Nationwide, and offering insurance since 2003.

World Nomads has no deductible.

They offer two different levels of coverage: Standard and Explorer, but the second is only somewhat more robust. Both cover minor dental emergencies ($750 USD), but only “complications” from pregnancy, and (like SafetyWing but unlike Genki) nothing for psychiatric emergencies.

They have very good medical evacuation and transportation coverage — up to $300,000 with their Standard plan and $500,000 with Explorer. Like Genki (but unlike SafetyWing), they also specifically agree to take you back to your home country if that’s what you choose.

Like SafetyWing, you’ll generally be paying for care yourself and filing a claim for reimbursement, but unlike SafetyWing, they’ll at least give you a pre-approval for specific treatments.

Their plans also include coverage for trip interruption and cancellation, travel delay, lost luggage, theft, and some personal liability — less generous than SafetyWing for the Standard option, more generous for the Explorer one.

Prices range from $128 USD/month to an astounding $414 USD/month, but it’s difficult to cite specific premiums because your rate depends on your age, your home country, and the countries you’re traveling to (once you declare a country, you’re supposedly also covered in countries “in the same region,” but this terminology makes me nervous). You can also opt for “worldwide” coverage, but it’s their most expensive option. In general, World Nomads seems more expensive than both Genki and SafetyWing with much less flexibility — the highest price for the least value.

Neither of their coverage levels includes any basic U.S. coverage, although you can include that as one of the countries where you’ll be traveling — although, yes, it will be very expensive.

In fact, to purchase World Nomads, you must declare your “home” country and assert that you have primary coverage back there. If you don’t have that coverage, do they honor your policy? Good question.

Unlike Genki or SafetyWing, World Nomads is a company that will void your policy if you return to within 100 miles of your home for any amount of time. I find this an outrageous deal-breaker in a policy marketed specifically to nomads.

World Nomads does not have a subscription model. The only option is to pay in advance for the entire period of time you want covered.

Their maximum medical pay-out is a stingy $100,000 even for their more expensive Explorer plan.

They don’t insure people over the age of 65.

The Bottom Line

So which company’s travel insurance is the best: Genki, SafetyWing, or World Nomads?

Let’s recap and compare their various features:

It’s probably no surprise that of these three companies, I think Genki is far and away the best travel insurance for nomads or expats. I think they’re a truly remarkable value, and Michael and I have recently switched to become customers.

In second place, I’d place SafetyWing. They have serious flaws and limitations, but if you’re a parent looking to cover a small child, and/or if you’re also looking for coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage, travel delay, or personal liability, they might be worth considering. But keep in mind that most of the time when you need some of these specific coverages, you may already have them through your travel credit card.

I think World Nomads is the worst of the bunch, a very poor overall product, almost an outright scam — but to do your due diligence, definitely read more about it.

I wrote more about SafetyWing vs. Genki and also compared these companies’ “full” international policies .

We're a longtime couple who decided in 2017 to sell our house in Seattle and travel the world as “digital nomads.” Subscribe to our newsletter to come along to the places we’re going next!

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Introduction to HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

  • Plans Available
  • How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy

HTH Worldwide Customer Service and Support Experience

Compare hth worldwide travel insurance.

  • Why You Should Trust Us

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review 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.

No one likes to think about what could go wrong on vacation, but the truth is that anything can happen. That's why travel insurance is so important — it can help you recover from any unexpected emergencies that may occur while you're away from home.

If you're looking for a reputable travel insurance company, HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance is a great option. It's been in business for over 20 years and offers three different travel insurance plans. Whether you need basic coverage or more comprehensive protection, HTH Worldwide likely has a plan that will suit your needs.

HTH Worldwide HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
  • Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
  • Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
  • Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

HTH Worldwide is a travel insurance company owned and operated by Worldwide Insurance Services, which also operates GeoBlue Travel Insurance . In fact, many of the policies listed on HTH Worldwide's website are actually provided by GeoBlue, specifically its travel medical insurance . While we'll talk about those policies here, you can find more details in our GeoBlue review . 

HTH Worldwide's stand-alone products are its TripProtector trip cancellation policies. These offer comprehensive protection with relatively low premiums compared to many of its competitors. In fact, HTH Worldwide is among the companies included in our picks for the best cheap travel insurance . 

That said, with the premiums you're paying, you'll encounter some concessions. For one, HTH Worldwide's coverage limits are far below that of many of the best travel insurance companies, particularly when it comes to trip cancellation limits, which start at $5,000 per person for its Economy plan. 

Types of Policies Offered by HTH Worldwide

HTH Worldwide offers three primary plans: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. Each plan has different coverage levels and features, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. But they'll all cover (up to a specified amount) things like trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical expenses, lost or delayed luggage, and more.

One important note, though, is that the TripProtector Economy plan is not available for trips where the per-person cost is greater than $5,000.

Below you'll find the per-person coverage limits of HTH Worldwide's three travel insurance plans:

These policies also include 24-hour emergency hotline service, an online database to search for doctors while you're traveling, a medical term translation database, and health and security news alerts.

Additional Coverage Options from HTH Worldwide

In addition to the three primary plans, HTH Worldwide also offers the following two plans, through GeoBlue, for travelers only looking for travel medical coverage:

  • Single-trip option for travelers with primary health insurance:  HTH Worldwide provides a short-term international medical plan for those who have other travel insurance but need travel medical coverage. It covers pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation costs, with maximum benefit amounts ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and deductibles from $0 to $500.
  • Single-trip option for travelers without primary health insurance:  This plan for travelers who don't have primary health insurance has maximum benefit amounts ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and deductibles ranging from $0 to $500. It covers pre-existing conditions for medical evacuation.
  • Multi-trip option:  This annual travel insurance plan is for people who are taking multiple sub-70-day trips within a 12-month period.

The following two plans listed on HTH Worldwide's website, also supplied by GeoBlue, are designed for people who live or work outside their home country:

  • Xplorer plan: This plan is for individuals and families who intend to be outside their home country for more than three months per year.
  • Navigator plan: This plan is specifically for students, faculty, mission, and maritime crews who will be outside of their home country for more than three months during the year.

Like other travel insurance providers, HTH Worldwide offers additional coverages that can be purchased along with the primary policy. These add-ons are only available for a Preferred plan, not an Economy or Classic plan.

The add-ons include:

  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Will pay 75% of any prepaid trip expenses. You must purchase coverage within 21 days of your first trip deposit, and the trip must be canceled at least two days before your scheduled departure. This add-on is only available for TripProtector Preferred.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):  Coverage for your rental car in the event of damage due to crash, theft, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, flood, or any cause beyond your control. (Not available in NY, OR, or TX.)

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for HTH Worldwide plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate HTH Worldwide coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

  • TripProtector Economy: $93.16
  • TripProtector Classic: $115.56
  • TripProtector Preferred: $156.20

Premiums for HTH Worldwide plans are between 3.1% and 5.2% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

HTH Worldwide provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

  • TripProtector Economy: $121.41
  • TripProtector Classic: $149.43
  • TripProtector Preferred: $200.75

Once again, premiums for HTH Worldwide plans are between 3% and 5% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

  • TripProtector Economy: $610.74
  • TripProtector Classic: $743.15
  • TripProtector Preferred: $995.04

HTH Worldwide plans cost between 3% and 5% of the trip's cost, below and within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

  • TripProtector Economy: $324.95
  • TripProtector Classic: $389.12
  • TripProtector Preferred: $474.12

Premiums for HTH Worldwide plans for older-age travelers are between 5.4% and 7.9%, which is well within the average cost for travel insurance. While it's certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies often quote for older travelers. 

How to Purchase and Manage a HTH Worldwide Policy

It's fast and simple to get a quote from HTH Worldwide. Visit its website and provide basic information about your trip. You'll receive an immediate quotation for the insurance plans available for your journey, so it's simple to compare each one. Make sure you have all of the following information on hand:

  • Primary destination
  • Age of traveler(s)
  • Total trip cost
  • Travel dates
  • State of residence

If you're buying a trip cancellation policy, you'll be directed to the HTH Worldwide quote page, where you can choose one of three plans. If you're within the specified purchasing window, you'll also be able to add cancel for any reason coverage to the Preferred plan. 

How to File a Claim with HTH Worldwide

For medical claims, you can contact HTH Worldwide by phone at 888-243-2358 or via email at [email protected]. For all other claims, you can call 866-655-3058.

You must notify HTH Worldwide of your claim within seven days of first experiencing the covered loss. You'll also need to provide proof of loss within 90 days after the loss. The company doesn't provide an expected window for response or payment in its terms, but said that a claim usually takes anywhere from 30-45 days to process in response to a review on SquareMouth.

You can find HTH Worldwide's claim forms here .

HTH Worldwide has relatively few customer reviews to speak of. It has an average of 4.24 stars out of five across just under 500 reviews on its SquareMouth page, which comprises the vast majority of online reviews. HTH Worldwide customer reviews were very complimentary about the purchasing experience, saying it was quick.

That said, customers also mentioned that HTH Worldwide is hard to reach for anything — purchasing, traveling, and claims. This can be especially concerning if you're trying to contact the 24/7 hotline while facing an emergency. That said, when customers were able to make contact, they had generally positive things to say about the experience.

One customer getting treated for a medical emergency was given a list of recommended hospitals in their area and HTH Worldwide's connection with GeoBlue meant that some hospitals were able to direct bill instead of the customer paying and getting reimbursed. This created some hoops the customer had to jump through, including obtaining a letter from HTH Worldwide. That said, the customer writes, "The whole thing took less than 30 minutes. With that letter in tow, I was able to be seen, treated and released without payment on my part."

Learn more about HTH Worldwide compares to some of the best travel insurance providers .

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

If you look at coverage with Allianz Travel Insurance , you'll see that you can select from 10 different insurance plans. Much like HTH Worldwide, Allianz Travel Insurance offers single-trip policies and options for those who plan to be outside the country for longer. And, like with all insurance, the different plans provide varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers:

  • Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
  • Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
  • Emergency medical coverage for $50,000
  • Coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000
  • Travel delay coverage up to $800

Compare that to HTH Worldwide's most popular TripProtector Preferred Plan and you'll see that HTH Worldwide's emergency medical coverage limit is substantially higher. But Allianz Travel Insurance's plan has better trip protection coverage limits. The right choice will depend on what coverages are most important to you and your personal situation.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance

Amongst insurance providers, Nationwide Travel Insurance is one of the more familiar household names. Much like HTH Worldwide, Nationwide offers straightforward coverage with only two single-trip plans: the Essential Plan and the Prime Plan. Furthermore, Nationwide has designed policies specifically for those taking cruises or who travel frequently throughout the year.

To compare Nationwide and HTH Worldwide, we took a look at both companies' highest-tier plans.

Nationwide's Prime Plan includes coverage for trip cancellation up to $30,000, trip interruption coverage of 200% of the cost of the trip (with a maximum payout of $60,000), missed connection and itinerary change coverage each amounting to $500, per-day trip delay coverage of up to $250 for 6+ hour delays, and emergency medical evacuation with a limit of $1 million in payouts.

In comparison, HTH Worldwide's TripProtector Preferred plan offers trip cancellation coverage up to $50,000, trip interruption coverage 200% of the cost of the trip, coverage for a missed connection of up to $1,000, trip delay coverage up to $2,000, and emergency medical evacuation coverage of up to $1 million.

The two plans are quite similar in many regards. To determine which is best for you, you'll need to compare quotes based on your personal and trip-specific details.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Compare HTH Worldwide vs. Credit Card Insurance

It's worthwhile to review the insurance coverage offered by your travel credit cards before you buy a separate travel insurance policy. Some essential coverages, like rental car insurance, might already be included with a card you have.

The coverage from your credit card may be enough if, for example, you don't have any non-refundable trip expenses and you're driving to your destination. Another scenario that could suffice is if your health insurance covers you while abroad, you're in decent health, and you aren't too concerned with potential medical costs while traveling.

It's essential to remember that credit card travel protection is usually secondary to the primary coverage you'd get with a travel insurance policy. This means you'll have to file a claim with the other applicable insurance before filing a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance FAQs

HTH Worldwide is known for its strong focus on medical coverage, providing comprehensive support during medical emergencies, including access to a wide network of hospitals and emergency medical assistance.

Yes, HTH Worldwide offers plans that cover travel to high-risk destinations, but it's important to review the specific terms and coverage limitations for such areas.

Pre-existing conditions are covered under HTH Worldwide's Classic and Preferred plans as long as you purchase your policy within 14 and 21 days of your initial trip deposit, respectively. HTH Worldwide TripProtector Economy does not cover pre-existing conditions. 

HTH Worldwidepolicies max out at 90 days. If your trip exceeds this time frame, it's best to look elsewhere for travel insurance. 

HTH Worldwide stands out for its comprehensive coverage at affordable prices. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

In reviewing HTH Worldwide's travel insurance offerings, we considered things like different types of coverage available, claim limits, what expenses are included, available add-ons, and typical policy costs. We then compared them to similar plans from other top travel insurance companies.

The best policy for you is the one that offers the appropriate amount and type of coverage given your needs and budget. It should also be easy to use in case you ever need to make a claim.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

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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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VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Review 2024

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The process of buying travel insurance can be tedious and stressful as you scour the internet for the best travel insurance companies . VisitorsCoverage exists to simplify the process by showing you all the options available for your particular travel details.

Since 2006, VisitorsCoverage has helped more than 1 million travelers check peace of mind off of their packing list, no matter the destination. It partners with popular travel insurance companies as a broker, so it can quote policies and manage payments on its website. 

Introduction to VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance

VisitorsCoverage is a travel insurance marketplace that allows you to sort through the best travel insurance policies for your travel details and compare policies against one another. The information it provides on each policy is thorough and straightforward, so you don't have to wade through dense legalese to understand your policy. You can purchase travel insurance directly on VisitorsCoverage's website as well as manage your policy and adjust your coverage.

You'll have to file claims directly with your insurer, but VisitorsCoverage has a Claims Assistance Hub that will contact your insurer on your behalf to expedite the process and provide updates. The Assistance Hub is a great asset given that claims offices are infamously inaccessible and uncommunicative.

While VisitorsCoverage excels as a platform for travel insurance, VisitorsCoverage doesn't field customer reviews of insurance products, which you can find with some of its competitors like Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip. This isn't a major exclusion, but it means you have to conduct additional research for that information, which isn't ideal for a service that exists primarily to simplify the buying process.

Types of Policies Offered by VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage partners with many travel insurance providers to offer comprehensive coverage options. If you're looking for cancellation protection, baggage protection, and other standard coverages, it can provide many options based on your residence, destination, and costs.

It also works with carriers specific to Europe and Schengen visas. Europe-bound travelers also enjoy medical evacuation and repatriation protections. The descriptions are straightforward, and the site offers options to search for doctors, manage your plan, and more on its website,

If traveling with family, friends, or coworkers, its website may prompt you to consider group travel insurance. Coverage protects up to five travelers with health coverage in the event of an accident or illness at a reduced rate of up to 20% compared to identical coverage for five individual travelers. If you're traveling for business, you may also want to consider its business coverage, which covers lost luggage, trip interruption, and terrorism, along with emergency medical care (including emergency medical evacuation).

One thing this travel website brings to the table is variety. As an online broker, customers can get multiple quotes at once. However, its partnerships allow it to expand the most common understanding of what travel insurance covers , catering to less common travel scenarios such as non-US residents (including Americans working full-time abroad) traveling to the U.S., missionaries, and visa applicants.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

VisitorsCoverage has filters that can tailor your insurance search based on your needs. You'll find specific search functions for the following types of travel insurance :

  • AD&D insurance coverage: This provides a lump sum benefit to the insured's beneficiary in the event of accidental death. The insured can also collect a benefit after an accidental dismemberment (losing a limb).
  • Pre-existing condition insurance: This plan is designed for travelers with diagnosed conditions (existing before applying for travel medical insurance) who want to see the world without fear of what to do should a medical emergency arise. Coverage includes emergency services like hospitalization, surgery, and even medical evacuation.
  • Cruise insurance: This short-term trip insurance protects cruisers from losses related to delays, cancellations, illnesses, injuries, etc., while at sea.
  • Immigrant/Green Card insurance: This type of plan offers short-term coverage (up to two years) for individuals needing medical insurance coverage while visiting the United States. It's ideal for visa applicants who ideally obtain long-term healthcare through their employer once their work visa is approved.
  • Student visa insurance:  Students spending a semester away from their home country or attending university in a foreign country often require travel insurance that meets certain standards.

VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Cost

The average cost of travel insurance is around 4-8% of trip costs. Travel insurance premiums of $100-$200 per trip are standard, especially when traveling internationally. A cancel for any reason rider raises travel insurance premiums by about 50% with most travel insurance companies. However, many travelers enjoy the peace of mind of eliminating denials for excluded causes.

Individual policy premiums are based on benefits offered plus criteria unique to each traveler, including age, health status, and the length of the trip. Because VisitorsCoverage partners with many popular travel insurance providers, shoppers can compare the cheapest options with more substantial coverage and decide which plan works best for them.

VisitorsCoverage Customer Service and Support

VisitorsCoverage has very good online customer reviews, receiving an average of 4.8 out of five stars on its Trustpilot page and 4.6 stars from Google Maps reviews left on its company headquarters located in Santa Clara, California. Negative reviews often pertain to customer experiences with unresolved claims, which isn't necessarily a reflection on VisitorsCoverage, but the actual insurance provider.

It's worth noting that VisitorsCoverage's customer support team is extremely responsive to customer reviews, usually responding within one or two business days to Trustpilot and Google Maps reviews.

How to File a Claim with VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance

VisitorsCoverage is not your travel insurance company but a liaison between you and different travel insurance providers. As such, it's no surprise that it does not handle your claims. However, it can assist you in navigating your claims and will attempt to reach out to your insurance provider if the process is delayed.

If you input your policy number on its website, the company can identify which travel insurance company you purchased your plan from. Then it will direct you to the right website or offer the address and correct claims forms. If you don't have your policy number, its website lists the different insurers it partners with and basic claims information. If you need to file claims, the most its customer service agents can do is direct you to the right company and plan administrator.

Remember to file your claim as soon as possible, especially when seeking reimbursement for covered medical expenses. In addition to the claim form, be prepared to provide the plan administrator with copies of your passport plus any medical bills/receipts.

VisitorsCoverage Frequently Asked Questions

How do i contact visitorscoverage.

 You can contact VisitorsCoverage by calling 1-866-384-9104 or email us at [email protected]. Business hours are from 7: a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday to Friday. You can also chat with an agent through VisitorsCoverage's website chat function.

Does VisitorsCoverage offer travel insurance for international travelers?

Yes, VisitorsCoverage has a specific search function for international trips as well as international travelers visiting the U.S.

Can I get coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with VisitorsCoverage?

VisitorsCoverage allows you to filter your search to only include policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

How user-friendly is the claim filing process with VisitorsCoverage?

VisitorsCoverage doesn't have its own claims filing process, but has tools to make your filing process with your insurance provider more user-friendly. It will also contact unresponsive claims offices on your behalf.

Are adventure activities covered under VisitorsCoverage policies?

You can filter your insurance search based on companies that offer adventure activities. You'll need to conduct your own independent research to see if your particular sport is covered under a particular policy.

Why You Should Trust Us: What Went into Our VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Review

When writing this review, we researched and compared popular travel insurance companies based on myriad factors, including policies offered, add-ons, cost, convenience, claims process, and customer satisfaction. Information on numerous travel insurance products is used in the process, and opinions expressed are based solely on facts gleaned.

Neither marketing tactics nor standalone online reviews were used in compiling these ratings. As most customer reviews come from individuals who have yet to file a claim, an emphasis is placed on plans offered instead of services rendered. VisitorsCoverage is unusual because it's not the travel insurance company, but we reviewed it based on the support provided, its partners' coverage, etc.

You can learn more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Review 2024

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World First Travel Insurance   Reviews

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Excellent service

Excellent service, if you have medical ailments their prices are really good.

Date of experience : April 11, 2024

Great service and product

Brilliant telephone advisors when I needed advice on a complex requirement. Good price and cover levels for those wanting to travel after serious health issues

Date of experience : January 09, 2024

Leonard Hinckley Leicestershire

This is the second time we have taken out holiday insurance with World First.we spoke to Sarah who sorted our first policy.she is very good and found us a great annual travel insurance.we called and got through in 2minutes not bad. Brilliant.

Date of experience : January 30, 2024

SO KNOWLEDABLE ABOUT DIFFERENT…ILLNESSES

SO KNOWLEDABLE ABOUT DIFFERENT ILLNESSES AND VERY HELPFUL TAKING ME THROUGH THE QUESTIONS.THE PRICE I WAS GIVEN,I WAA SURPRISED EVEN though i had had cancer

Date of experience : January 11, 2024

They were able to offer me full cover…

They were able to offer me full cover with my health condition, when my previous insurers wouldn’t.

Date of experience : February 28, 2024

Policy renewed.

We have renewed our policy as it covers our requirements, the process was easy to follow. We did not look for the cheapest option but a policy that suited us both.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Worth a Quote!

Very fair and professional process backed up by a competitive price.

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

Good customer service

Have used this company before, never any problems and always quick to respond to queries.

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

on line forms are straightforward

on line forms are straightforward. I gave it only 4 stars as we had no need to make a claim. premium was very reasonable. Will use them again

Date of experience : April 15, 2024

Easy to use and recognised all my…

Easy to use and recognised all my conditions

Date of experience : April 22, 2024

Super customer care and service.

You were able to provide what we needed in terms of age medical cover and activities. In addition your team was excelent.

Date of experience : December 15, 2023

Website easy to use

Website easy to use, competitive prices and good coverage

Date of experience : April 23, 2024

Great cuastomer service

Great cuastomer service, speaking to a real person, who actually speaks English as we know it

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Comprehensive question and answer…

Comprehensive question and answer required before agreeing on my travel insurance for 2024! Well worth the effort though as due to my recently diagnosed cancer they were the only company interested in offering me the necessary cover. Excellent, well informed and easy to have a dialogue with compared to the other formulaic companies I contacted. Will highly recommend and they will have my future business if their professionalism is maintained.

Date of experience : February 01, 2024

Seem very efficient although fortunately I have not had to use.

I had travel insurance with World First 2023 and decided to remain with them for 2024. I did not received email confirmation or my 20% discount but within 1 hour of contacting them, they had done both so very efficient. Not the cheapest but better to pay for a reputable company.

Date of experience : January 04, 2024

Cancer cover found

I am living with cancer and it was great to find a provider who would cover me and my family on a trip to Sri Lanka

Date of experience : January 15, 2024

Amendment to order

I needed to make an amendment to my order and emailed the customer service team. I was responded to immediately after the bank holiday and advised I would be called that same day to go over the extra information I wanted to include. The insurance is comprehensive and I feel confident in the service & the company, especially after the prompt, efficient service received.

Date of experience : May 30, 2023

I took out travel insurance over the…

I took out travel insurance over the phone the person who dealt with me was extremely helpful, the whole process was painless.

Date of experience : November 29, 2023

Booking system is straightforward and you can speak easily to an advisor.

Booking system is straightforward even with a medical condition. Reasonably priced. Questions answered fully when I phoned the company. Recommended by Macmillian Cancer care.

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Policy to suit difficult medical circumstances

It is a policy to suit our difficult medical circumstances. The man (Daniel) who helped us was so good and patient

Date of experience : January 12, 2024

world first travel insurance

Cover your travels: What every US tourist needs to know about insurance

world first travel insurance

By getting the right coverage, visitors can protect themselves from financial losses and enjoy their travels with less worry.

Traveling is an exciting adventure that offers unique experiences and memories to last a lifetime. However, unexpected events such as illness, accidents, or logistical complications can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for US tourists to understand the importance of travel insurance. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what every US tourist should know about travel insurance, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.

Understanding travel insurance

Travel insurance is designed to cover the financial risks and losses that might occur while traveling, such as trip interruptions, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances. There are several types of coverage available and choosing the right one can depend on the nature of your trip, destination, and health conditions.

Reasons to consider travel insurance coverage

Trip interruption: This coverage reimburses the cost of a one-way economy air and/or ground transportation ticket if the insured person’s trip is interrupted due to the covered reasons as mentioned in the policy.

Medical emergencies: While many health insurance plans offer limited coverage overseas, travel medical insurance provides comprehensive coverage for illnesses or injuries that occur outside of your home country. This is particularly important for destinations with high medical costs, such as the United States, where tourists can face hefty bills in the absence of adequate coverage.

Emergency medical evacuation: This covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest equipped medical facility in case of a medical emergency in a remote location where immediate medical care may not be available. It is crucial for those adventure seekers traveling or hiking to remote or unstable areas.

Baggage and personal items loss: This insurance helps to replace the cost of your belongings up to a specified amount mentioned in the policy if they are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use in a common carrier during the trip.

A ccidental death and dismemberment: Although morbid to consider, this coverage provides a lump sum to the beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder’s death or offer an amount to the policyholder in case of a severe injury resulting in loss of limb or eyesight while traveling.

Choosing the right insurance provider

Selecting a reputable insurance provider is as critical as choosing the insurance type. Look for companies that offer 24/7 customer support, comprehensive coverage options, and positive reviews from other travelers. Ensure that the provider is licensed and has a good standing in the industry.

How to purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance can be purchased directly from an insurance provider, through a travel agent, or via a travel booking site. It is advisable to purchase insurance right after booking your travel arrangements to maximize your coverage period, especially for trip-related benefits.

Tips for US tourists

Understand the exclusions: All insurance policies have exclusions. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions , injuries caused by high-risk activities, and events related to alcohol or drug use. Make sure to read the fine print and understand what is not covered.

Keep documentation: In the event of a claim, having proper documentation is essential. Keep receipts, detailed reports from medical professionals, and any related paperwork to streamline the claims process.

Consider the duration and drequency of travel: Frequent travelers might find that annual or multi-trip insurance policies are more cost-effective than single-trip policies. Assess your travel habits to choose the most suitable option.

Check for travel advisories: Before traveling, check if there are any travel advisories for your destination. Some insurance policies may not cover travel to countries with travel warnings.

Travel insurance is an essential part of planning for international travel, providing peace of mind and security during unpredictable situations. By understanding the types of coverage and choosing a suitable provider, US tourists can protect themselves from significant financial losses and enjoy their travels with less worry. Remember, the best travel insurance policy is one that fits your specific travel needs and gives you the confidence to explore the world safely.

(Chiranth Nataraj, a contributing writer to the American Bazaar, is the founder of  Visitor Guard .)

Demystifying US visitor insurance: Common myths debunked

Bringing parents to the US from India for a visit? Here are the 5 things you should consider

Why is visitor health insurance recommended for travel to the US?

Traveling to the US? Here’s why you shouldn’t skimp on travel insurance!

What does visitor insurance cover?

Indian travelers to US must get visitor insurance with Covid-19 cover

Chiranth Nataraj, a contributing writer to the American Bazaar, is the founder of Visitor Guard. He has more than two decades worth of experience in developing insurance and technology solutions.

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14 best travel credit cards of May 2024

Nick Ewen

The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits . For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.

Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
  • American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
  • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
  • Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
  • American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly, how to maximize travel credit cards, helpful tools, how we rate cards, what is a travel credit card, how to choose the best travel credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of travel credit cards, frequently asked questions.

  • Airport Lounge Access

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

  • 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
  • $395 annual fee
  • $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

  • You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
  • Annual $50 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
  • Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

  • This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, worth $1,388 based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
  • Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

  • One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee.
  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
  • Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
  • Yearly cap on bonus categories.
  • No travel perks.
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
  • The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

  • 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
  • Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
  • Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
  • Few travel perks and protections.
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

  • No annual fee.
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
  • Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
  • Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
  • Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

  • Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
  • Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
  • Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
  • Steep $695 annual fee.
  • High spend needed for welcome offer.
  • Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Uncapped earning potential
  • $50 annual statement credit
  • Solid point earning rates in popular categories
  • This card features an annual fee
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
  • Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
  • Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners.
  • 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
  • 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
  • Steep initial $550 annual fee.
  • May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

  • This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

  • You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
  • Hefty $375 annual fee.
  • There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
  • Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
  • *Terms Apply

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

  • 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
  • No travel and purchase protections.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

  • Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
  • Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
  • Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
  • Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
  • Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
  • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
  • Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
  • With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
  • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
  • This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ), identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations  peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ). The card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases for no annual fee. Plus, Bilt points can be transferred to any of its multiple travel partners. 

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better option.

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Earn the welcome bonus

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus . Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus .

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Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status . 

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost-effective for a traveler on a budget .

And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

It’s important to consider where you’re looking to go when you book trips, as certain cards are especially useful for international travel . Plus, if you’re someone who frequents the skies (such as a digital nomad), there are certain credit cards best for long-term travelers .

Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.

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Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options, including award chart sweet spots that can get you the most maximized redemptions for your points and miles.

  • Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
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Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights , hotels and more with their many perks and rewards . 

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Additionally, it’s often advantageous to travel with more than one credit card for a variety of reasons. Carrying a backup credit card when you travel can provide peace of mind in the case of bank or issuer problems or if you have a card flagged for fraud while you travel. (In this case, knowing if your card requires you to set up travel alerts for lengthy travel could be worthwhile).

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

How to redeem points and miles  

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

There are plenty of ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes with your travel rewards . For instance, be sure you do your research with your rewards to get a high-value redemption and make sure your accounts are in good standing so you don’t risk losing them.  

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

How to use travel credit card portals  

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

  • 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
  • 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

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What's your favorite travel credit card — and why?

Brian Kelly

  • Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
  • Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
  • Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
  • Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
  • Credit cards can encourage overspending.
  • Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
  • The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
  • Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
  • Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access,  rental car insurance  or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

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Missile hits Russia’s Taganrog

Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov Oblast was hit by what looks like a missile attack on July 28, according to local officials, while another explosion damaged an oil refinery in Samara.

Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast, reported that a missile exploded near a café in Taganrog.

Russian authorities later claimed at least 15 people were injured. According to local media, a total of 17 people were injured. The explosion created a crater several meters deep at the site. Nearby buildings were destroyed.

The Russian Defense Ministry predictably claimed that Ukraine attacked Taganrog with a S-200 surface-to-air missile. Moscow insists the missile was intercepted by Russian air defenses and fell onto the city.

At around 5:13 p.m., there were reports of Taganrog air defenses being active once again. Local Telegram channels have shared videos showing the aftermath of the new explosion.

Russian officials also stated that there was an explosion at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara. According to preliminary information, an explosive device was planted there. The Russians claim that no one was injured in the incident.

Read also: Ukraine confirms successful destruction of Russian oil depot and warehouses in occupied Crimea

Russian propaganda has blamed a 42-year-old Ukrainian national named Serhiy P. for the explosion. They claim that he allegedly planted an IED in an abandoned building in the control room department, and after the explosion, he attempted to escape to Kazakhstan but was apprehended at the border.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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  28. Missile hits Russia's Taganrog

    Taganrog in Russia's Rostov Oblast was hit by what looks like a missile attack on July 28, according to local officials, while another explosion damaged an oil refinery in Samara.. Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast, reported that a missile exploded near a café in Taganrog.