odyssey plan travel insurance

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Important Disclosures
• Consumer Disclosure(s)
• HIPAA Notice
• Legal Notice
• Privacy Statement
• Site Terms & Conditions
• Plan Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Protection Plans:

Please note that a final claims determination is made based upon the plan provisions, and the written documentation we receive with your claim submission.

• Your Plan Number which is found in the Plan Documents;
• The departure and return dates of your scheduled trip;
• The travel agency and/or travel supplier name;
• Depending on the type of claim(s) you are reporting, additional documentation may be required.

Call us: 1.800.528.9300 Low Price Guarantee

Get Exclusive Deals by Email!

Odysseys Unlimited FAQs Click here for Odysseys Unlimited Tour’s Discounted Prices

Q: Who is Odysseys Unlimited?

A:  Since 1989 we have created custom-designed tours for more than 100 of America’s most prestigious non-profit organizations, including Smithsonian Journeys, as well as many well-known college alumni associations such as Brown University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, MIT, Northwestern, Ohio State, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Texas, UCLA, and the University of Washington. We also put our expertise to work on a wider scale by making our tours available to all travelers, while continuing to serve our client institutions.

Q: How would you describe your tours?

A:  We design our tours specifically for small groups of just 12 to 24 guests, guaranteed, which enables us to move about with more flexibility and efficiency, enjoy more spontaneous encounters, and experience a degree of freedom and independence not available to travelers on conventional group tours of 40 or more. An experienced professional tour director accompanies the group throughout the tour. We see the highlights and go behind the scenes – as well as leave time for independent exploration.

Q: Where do your tours go?

A:  We offer a diverse array of tours and small ship cruises throughout the world, ranging in length from 10 days to three weeks: Europe on and off the beaten path; coastal, river, and private yacht cruises; adventures in Africa & the Middle East, and the Americas; discoveries in Asia & the Far East; far-reaching journeys to Antarctica and Australia & the South Pacific – all with unique features available only to small groups.

Q: Who is eligible to travel on your tours?

A:  Most of our travelers range between the ages of 50 and 80, though we often host those under 50. On occasion we receive requests from travelers who would like to travel with children or grandchildren. All travel companions must be at least 12 years of age.

We welcome all travelers, but request that you be in fairly good health to participate in an Odysseys Unlimited tour. All of our tours involve a reasonable amount of walking, often uphill or on uneven or cobblestone streets.  You must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own.  We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that our itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

Q:   Do you welcome single travelers on your small group tours?

A:  We absolutely welcome single travelers on our small group tours. On most of our tours you will find a combination of singles traveling alone, singles traveling together, and couples. Our experienced tour directors work to ensure single travelers feel comfortable and part of the group.

Q: What is the quality of the hotels that you use on your tours?

A:  We select hotels that we believe are the best for a particular trip and experience – those that offer guests the best combination of quality, value, and atmosphere for each destination. Our hotels in major cities are usually centrally located so guests can get around easier; our unique lodgings are often out of the way, offering our tour members a local ambiance larger groups never experience. Typically, our hotels include Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class properties.

Q: Do you offer a roommate matching program?

A: We do not have a roommate matching program as such, but we do enable interested guests to contact one another and determine whether they wish to share a room on tour.

Q: Do you allow guests to make their own air arrangements?

A:  If desired, guests may make their own air arrangements and book their tour as “land only” and receive a reduction in the tour price.

Q: Do you make special arrangements to meet guests’ dietary needs?

A:  We do make every effort to meet such dietary needs as vegetarian, low-salt, and the like; unfortunately, we are unable to provide Kosher meals. We send this information to our tour directors who work to the best of their ability with restaurants and hotels to accommodate dietary needs.

Q: What are your payment options?

A:  You can make your deposit and final payment by personal check or major credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card).

Q: What happens if I have to cancel my reservation or if my tour is cancelled?

A:  You will receive a full refund for any cancellations made up to 95 days before departure (155 days for  Burgundy Barging ). If because of low participation Odysseys Unlimited cancels your tour, you will receive a complete refund of all payments you have made to us. Refunds for cancellations inside of 95 days (155 days for and  Burgundy Barging ) are subject to the per person charges.

Q: Do your tours require a passport or visa?

A:  A U.S. passport, with at least three blank pages (six blank pages if your tour requires a visa) and valid for at least six months after your return home, is required of all U.S. citizens on all of our tours. A visa is required for some tours. If your tour requires a visa, we will send the necessary information in the confirmation package you will receive upon reserving your tour. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact your embassy or a visa service for information about required travel documents.

Q: Do you offer Travel Protection?

A:  Yes. Odysseys Unlimited makes available an Optional Travel Protection Plan through Trip Mate. We recommend that you protect yourself and your investment in the event you may have to cancel or interrupt your vacation. This plan may provide an extra measure of comfort and security by offering the following coverages and services:

Q: Do you offer a frequent traveler program?

A:  Yes. After your first tour with us, you will save $100 per person off the published brochure price of your next Odysseys Unlimited tour; $200 per person after your third tour; and $300 per person after 10 tours. You may use this frequent traveler credit as many times as you would like. Q: What information do I need in-hand when I call an Odysseys Unlimited Travel Counselor to reserve a tour?

A:  In order to make a reservation, we require a deposit of $375 per person. Please have your credit card information available (or you may send a check), as well as each passenger’s home address and telephone number. In addition, to comply with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program, we will also need each passenger’s full name, birth date, and gender exactly as they appear on their passport. For further information, please visit  www.tsa.gov

Q: Where can I learn more about passports and the REAL ID program?

A: This information can be found in the following blog post.  Essential Knowledge: Passports and REAL ID .

To request Pavlus Travel to remove your personal information, please complete the following form and indicate which services you would like your information removed from. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

Submit Request

Request a Galapagos Quote for 11/1/2020 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $8,512

Request a Galapagos Quote for 9/1/2019 – Galapagos Outer Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $8,743

Request a Galapagos Quote for 8/11/2019 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $9,380

All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

*Prices below are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges and fees of $0, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

Departure Selected

Special event, please note, guest 1 details, guest 2 details, trip details, additional options, guest information.

Quick Links

Odysseys unlimited, general terms and conditions, tour prices.

Tour prices quoted are guaranteed through December 31, 2024 for 2024 departures and through December 31, 2025 for 2025 departures, and include accommodations based on double occupancy; airfare from your departure city; airline taxes, surcharges, and fees, and port charges and cruise line fees (where applicable), which are subject to change until final payment has been made; internal air, rail, and motorcoach transportation; meals, sightseeing, and transfers as described; hotel taxes; entrance fees for included sightseeing; the services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; luggage handling for one bag per person; and all gratuities as described below. Please note that the cost of air upgrades is subject to change.

Tour prices include all gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers on base tours and on optional extensions when accompanied by an Odysseys Unlimited representative. Please note that gratuities for the Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and shipboard personnel (if a cruise is included in your tour) are not included unless otherwise specified. These tips are optional and should be extended on a voluntary basis. Gratuities are not included on “On Your Own” optional extensions.

Not Included in Your Tour Price

Airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; immunizations and inoculations; communications charges; airport transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and shipboard personnel (if a cruise is included in your tour) unless otherwise specified, which are at your discretion; and a Travel Protection Plan (please see below). Additional baggage fees levied directly by the airline(s) may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.

Registration and Payment

Your deposit confirms your reservation and is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure (155 days for Burgundy Barging ). Full payment is due at least 95 days prior to departure (155 days for Burgundy Barging ) and may be made by personal check or credit card. Odysseys Unlimited reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.

Cancellations and Refunds

You will receive a full refund for any cancellations made up to 95 days before departure (155 days for Burgundy Barging ). If you must cancel your tour, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges:

For all tours (except as noted)

For Africa’s Wildlife, Ancient Greece, Egypt & the Eternal Nile, Journey through Vietnam, Machu Picchu to the Galapagos, Patagonian Frontiers, Southeast Asia Odyssey, Southern Africa Odyssey, Treasures of Egypt

For Burgundy Barging

Please note that we will not refund the cost of any unused portion of your tour package. If because of low participation Odysseys Unlimited cancels your tour, you will receive a complete refund of all payments you have made to us.

Pre-Departure

Upon reservation, you will be able to access all information regarding your tour in My Odyssey, our secure on-line portal. This material includes your invoice, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, visa requirements (if applicable), Travel Protection Plan information, and more. Your final tour documents, including airline itineraries (with e-ticket numbers), will be available in the portal two to three weeks before departure.

Single Travelers

We welcome single travelers, and offer a limited number of single accommodations on each tour. Because hotel and cruise rates are priced by the room or cabin, the per person cost for accommodations occupied by one person is higher than that shared by two people. We will endeavor to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost. Please note that single rooms in many foreign hotels may be smaller than those to which you are accustomed.

Changes to Your Reservation

We will not charge a fee for any changes made to your reservation outside of 95 days before departure (155 days for Burgundy Barging ). From 94 to 30 days before departure, if you make any changes to your reservation, a $100 per person administrative fee will apply, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by airlines, hotels, or other third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason or at any time, you will be charged the single supplement.

Please note that no changes to your name(s) or departure date are allowed within 95 days of departure (155 days for Burgundy Barging ). No changes to your reservation can be made within 30 days of departure.

Required Information

Upon reservation, we will need to obtain from you the following, in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program (for details, please visit www.tsa.gov ), as well as for our travel partners: for international tours – your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, and gender; for domestic tours – your full name as it appears on the accepted form of government-issued photo identification that you plan to use, date of birth, and gender.

In addition, airlines may require that we provide them with your contact information prior to departure.

In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, or if you use a different passport (international tours) or other form of government-issued photo identification (domestic tours) than originally cited, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

Travel Documents

A passport valid for at least six months after the completion of your tour is required for U.S. citizens on all of our international tours. For all domestic tours, where we fly into a U.S. city to begin the tour or out of a U.S. city at the end, you must present a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification. Starting on May 7, 2025, your government-issued photo ID must be REAL ID-compliant  (or you can present an alternate form of ID, such as a passport). Visit www.dhs.gov/real-id or contact your local DMV for more information.

If your tour requires a visa(s), we strongly recommend that you have at least six blank visa pages available; for tours not requiring a visa(s), we recommend that your passport have at least three blank visa pages. We will send you specific visa and entry requirements after you make a reservation. You are responsible for obtaining these documents. If you need to obtain a visa, we recommend our preferred provider G3 Global Services.

If you are traveling with a minor, please contact us for special entry requirements. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact your embassy or consulate to ensure you obtain the proper documentation.

For the convenience of the majority of our travelers, Odysseys Unlimited has a No Smoking policy (including e-cigarettes and vaping) on all tour buses. We will arrange sufficient rest stops so those who wish to smoke may do so.

Health and Medical Issues

We welcome all travelers, but request that you be in good health to participate in an Odysseys Unlimited tour. All of our tours involve a reasonable amount of walking (typically two to three miles per day), often uphill or on uneven or cobblestone streets. You must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our tour itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, do not accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or email us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.

We ask that all guests review our guidelines for health on tour, which can be found on our website: https://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/travel-health/ .

We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical condition or behavior, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other tour members. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited assumes no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.

While we do our best to accommodate food allergy concerns, we cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination.

Travel Protection Plan

Odysseys Unlimited makes available an optional Travel Protection Plan that is available for purchase until your final payment. We strongly recommend that you protect yourself and your investment in the event you have to cancel or interrupt your tour. Your Plan payment is fully refundable if you cancel outside of the final payment due date. In order to provide you with the most effective coverage, the policy exclusion for “Pre-Existing Conditions” will be waived if you purchase this plan within 14 days of making your initial deposit/payment for your trip and are medically able to travel at the time the plan is purchased. Information on this Travel Protection Plan will be included with your tour confirmation package. To review full plan details or obtain a Plan Document for reservations made on or after March 1, 2023, please visit www.tripmate.com/wpGR350 . For reservations made prior to March 1, 2023, please visit www.tripmate.com/wpN425 .

Air Transportation

Your tour package includes round-trip airfare (except for National Parks of the Southwest ) based on economy class from designated departure cities as shown. Airfares from other cities are available upon request. Airline upgrades at additional cost may be available on request for the roundtrip trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific portion of your flights.

Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. In addition, we recommend that you not purchase your tickets until final payment is due. Odysseys Unlimited shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from tour cancellations or changes in international gateways, travel dates, or airline schedule changes.

If an air schedule requires an overnight stay in a gateway city, the cost of the overnight will be at your expense. Please note that seat assignment on your flight is usually done at check-in. Odysseys Unlimited is unable to guarantee any seat assignments.

When planning our tours, we contract with those airlines that we feel provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer more direct service, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates that enable us to offer you the best possible travel value. Please note that loyalty program mileage credits are issued at the discretion of the airline(s) and may not be available for the flights on your tour. If you prefer to make your own airline reservations, ask your Travel Counselor about the “land only” price available on our tours.

Responsibility

Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., and its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, successors, and assigns (collectively “Odysseys”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities; airline, vessel, or other transportation companies; pack animals, guides, or guide services; local ground or safari operators whether or not they use the Odysseys name; providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Odysseys is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition, Odysseys is not liable for any negligent act or failure to act because of it.

Without limitation, Odysseys is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure , acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, epidemics or the threat thereof, criminal conduct, terrorist activities or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, the lack of availability of or access to appropriate medical attention, activities or climatic conditions for which the traveler is physically unprepared, overbooking or changing of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. reserves the right to correct errors in pricing. We reserve the right to cancel an advertised tour, decline to accept a reservation, or remove a person from a tour if it is determined by our representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general well-being of the other tour members. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality. Cruise itineraries may change due to factors such as government regulations, water levels, or weather conditions.

Binding Arbitration

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms and Conditions, to the Responsibility Clause, to the brochure, or any other information relating in any way to the trip, or to the trip itself, shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Massachusetts, in accordance with the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. In any such arbitration substantive Massachusetts law will apply. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

California Seller of Travel

Registration #: 2077973

Destinations

Connect with us.

Share your great adventures with us on social media. Tag your pictures with #myodyssey and they may be featured on our website!

By using this website you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy .

More From Forbes

Planning a vacation here’s your 2024 summer travel insurance guide.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The joy of a summer vacation. But do you have protection for your trip?

Planning a vacation this summer? Yeah, you and just about everyone else.

More than 9 out of 10 Americans say they'll travel more this year, according to a recent Nationwide Travel Insurance survey . Most of those trips will happen in June, July and August.

Not just that, but 40 percent of the respondents say they'll spend more this year than last year. So how do you protect your vacation investment?

Travel insurance is the standard answer, but what kind of insurance — and how do you find it? That's the question many Americans are wrestling with as they make their travel plans.

Protecting your vacation is a serious concern this summer, experts say.

“Travelers are beefing up their trip protection with security advisory and extraction protection," notes Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies .

It's not just that they're spending more. It's that there's more to lose. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the Hamas attacks on Israel, and other violent conflicts have made travel insurance a key part of trip planning.

This summer may break travel records, experts say.

Samsung Issues Critical Update For Millions Of Galaxy Users

Ufc 300 results bonus winners after historic event, ufc 300 results winners and losers from pereira vs hill fight card, it's going to be a busy summer for travel.

Overall policy sales for the 2024 summer travel season are up this year, but there's a spike in sales for policies in August, which is typically the busiest time of the summer. "Sales are up more than 25% over last year," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of travel insurance site TravelInsurance.com .

Western Europe continues to be the most popular summer destination for Americans, with some notable hotspots. Travel insurance sales for Greece are up over 60% this year compared with 2023, followed by Norway and Portugal, which are up 57% and 52%, respectively, according to Sandberg.

Everyone's travel insurance needs are different, according to the pros.

What should you insure when you travel this summer?

Laura Heidt, the insurance desk manager for Brownell Travel in Birmingham, Ala., says there are some things every travel insurance policy should cover this summer.

"I always recommend people insure for the unexpected, such as flight delays, missed connections and medical coverage while out of the country," she says. "If you are willing to forgo the cancellation and delay coverages, which are typically the most expensive parts of a policy, you should still, absolutely, cover yourself with at least the medical component."

Heidt says she's seen a 10% boost in travel insurance sales for this summer compared with the same time last year, and many people are opting for the pricier "cancel for any reason" policies, which allow you to cancel your trip and receive a partial refund of your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.

Travel insurance companies are seeing a similar trend.

"A majority of travelers choose a comprehensive travel insurance plan which includes coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost or delayed baggage and delay," explains Tim Dodge, vice president of marketing at Arch RoamRight .

He says this year, travelers are purchasing travel insurance on average within 11 days of their trip deposit to receive the additional benefit of the waiver exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

If you're traveling with kids, you'll need extra travel insurance protection.

Get a policy that's tailored to your needs

Travel insurance comes in all shapes and sizes. So you'll want to try a few on for size before you buy. You can actually do that, since most policies have a "free look" period that makes them fully refundable for the first week or two (depending on the policy).

"It's important to consider your specific travel plans and any potential disruptions in order to protect your investment," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA).

He says traditional plans offer coverage for unexpected cancellations, interruptions, delays, emergency medical expenses and lost or delayed baggage. For international travel, USTIA advises opting for a plan with emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage.

It also depends on who you're traveling with. For example, if you're traveling with your children, you'll want to consider a family-friendly priced travel insurance plan. But your destination also matters, says Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP).

"For young families, I typically recommend the ExactCare plan due to its pricing of two children at no additional cost for every one adult on the policy," she says. "However, for families venturing abroad, I’d suggest considering a plan like BHTP's LuxuryCare, which is designed to meet the distinctive needs of a high-investment vacation.”

You have choices when it comes to family coverage. For example, Allianz’s OneTrip Prime plan also includes coverage for kids 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Medical evacuations can be expensive.

Look beyond travel insurance for extra protection

Mike Hallman, CEO of the air medical transport and travel security program Medjet , says MedjetHorizon memberships are selling briskly. They offer 24/7 security and crisis response, as well as transportation to a hospital at home if you're injured. Travelers are skittish even if they aren't going bungee-jumping.

"With geopolitical tensions still growing — all the riots in France, Italy, Ecuador and other tourist destinations over the last year — and crime causing the threat level to be raised for the Bahamas and Jamaica, it’s no wonder," he adds.

He makes a good point. Travel insurance can cover many of the events you're likely to encounter, such as a missed connection, lost luggage or a medical emergency. But it's also important to know what isn't covered — and to make plans accordingly.

Beware of travel insurance "overconfidence"

The summer travel season is still a few months away, but insurance experts are worried. Yes, they've seen a general uptick in insurance sales, but some travelers remain unprotected.

"We've started to see early signs that travelers are exercising less caution and are slightly less likely to sign up for travel insurance," says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

By comparison, travelers purchased plenty of medical insurance in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Cronin believes travelers were terrified of getting stuck with COVID-19 in a foreign country without insurance.

"To those who are thinking about traveling internationally without travel insurance, my recommendation is to spend a few minutes looking deeper before deciding," he adds.

Some types of insurance, such as a standalone medical policy, cost just a few dollars a day. A medical evacuation membership is also affordable. And even full-featured travel insurance policies can be cost-effective when you consider the benefits.

"Don’t put your summer travel memories, or your investment, at risk by forgoing the right vacation coverage," says Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners USA . "With international travel peaking during the summer season, an unprotected trip can leave travelers on the hook for costs resulting from an unexpected trip delay or medical emergency abroad."

Bottom line: Seriously consider travel insurance to protect your trip — and don't be overconfident. You never know what might happen this summer.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

The Desjardins Odyssey range: cards with travel benefits

Bored of the same old routine? Book a trip—unforgettable memories guaranteed. Learn to get the most from the travel benefits that come with Desjardins Odyssey ®1  credit cards . Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or driving to the next province over, embarking on an epic journey or taking a quick weekend getaway, planning every detail or going where the wind takes you, you'll love what your credit card has to offer.

Protect your trip with a range of insurance

With Desjardins Odyssey ® 1 credit cards, you get comprehensive travel insurance * for up to 60 consecutive days at no additional cost ** . Thereby, in the event of an accident or health problem outside your home province, you, your spouse and dependent children travelling with you could receive emergency care of up to $5,000,000 per person.

What if your luggage were stolen, damaged  by an authorized public carrier or delayed by more than 6 hours?

You may be eligible for compensation ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per person, depending on your credit card coverage. Find out what coverage is included based on the cards to suit your needs.

Relax at the  Desjardins Odyssey ®  Lounge

If you’re flying out of Montreal-Trudeau Airport to a place outside of Canada or the United States, your Odyssey ®1  credit card could become your pass to enter the outstanding Desjardins Odyssey ®  Lounge . With comfortable chairs, snacks, beverages and free Wi-Fi, it's the perfect place to kick back and relax while waiting for your flight.

Earn  BONUSDOLLARS ®2

Between plane tickets, car rentals, nights out and shopping, you can make tons of transactions on your credit card before you know it. Pulling out your Odyssey® credit card means you'll earn BONUSDOLLARS ®  that you can redeem to pay off certain purchases made with your card, invest in savings products, pay your insurance premium or choose a gift card from the  BONUSDOLLARS ® catalogue.

Save when you rent a car

Planning to rent a vehicle at your destination? Look for the Hertz ®3 , Thrifty ® and Dollar®4 signs to get exclusive discounts . You don't need to pay extra for collision insurance. When you use your card to pay for your car rental, it's already included for a maximum of 48 consecutive days.

Take advantage of  additional coverage on your purchases

When you buy eligible items with your credit card, you're covered in the event of loss, theft or damage. Certain souvenirs purchased abroad included! Some cards also have an extended warranty that can double or triple the original manufacturer's warranty.

Have peace of mind in the event of fraud

You can use your credit card with peace of mind when making reservations over the phone or online purchases. If there is fraudulent activity on your card, you can rest assured that you won't be held liable for unauthorized transactions thanks to Zero Liability . 

Misplaced your credit card?

If your card is lost or stolen, you can prevent fraudulent transactions simply by logging in to AccèsD and temporarily locking your card. Do it anytime, anywhere . 

Do you have your phone with you? You can pay with your card

Maybe you don’t want to drag your wallet or purse everywhere, but your phone is never far away.Download Apple Pay ®5  or Google Pay ™   6 on your device and pair it with an eligible credit card *** . Just hold your phone near participating merchant terminals to pay for purchases of up to $250. No contact required.  It’s simple, handy and secure! Still having doubts?  Follow our guide .

Travel is even easier and more fun when you take advantage of all the perks offered with your credit card. Take a moment to compare our cards and find the one that best fits your needs.

What will be your next destination?

* Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply. Desjardins Insurance® and its logo are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence. These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.

** Certain conditions apply. Insurance coverage is underwritten by Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. For more details, please consult the available insurance contracts.

1 Odyssey ® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

2  BONUSDOLLARS ®  is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

3  Hertz ® , Five Star and Gold Plus Rewards are registered trademarks of Hertz System, Inc., used under licence. © 2018 Hertz System, Inc.

4  Dollar and Thrifty ®  are registered trademarks of DTG Operations, Inc. used under licence. © 2018 DTG Operations, Inc.

5  Apple Pay ®  is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

6  Google Pay ®  is a registered trademark of Google LLC.

*** Eligible cards include Visa credit cards and personal Mastercard credit cards, Desjardins Debit Cards and Desjardins prepaid cards. Corporate cards and the U.S. Visa card are not eligible for mobile payment.

HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM WITHOUT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Choose your protection.

HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

Odyssey Financial group, offers you individual and group insurance coverage tailored to your needs since 1997. The plans offered are flexible and offer the most advantageous pricing. Several exclusive plans are specially designed for members of professional associations or for your business. All coverages are available: life insurance, disability, overhead, medical, dental, critical illness, travel and more.

Designed specifically for members of professional associations or for your business, our Ody-max Association program offers a 10% discount plus a simplified medical fee.

Did you know that 70% of Canadians will need long-term care after age 65? People make the mistake of thinking that the government will take care of their needs. My Dignity insurance is the logical choice since government assistance is limited.

Groupe financier Odyssée

Email address: [email protected] Phone: 450 437-6041 | 1 888 447-3629 Ontario: 1 855 855-2525

Travel Insurance

June 1, 2020

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

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

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Cancel Anytime

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

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

• How to Find the Best Deals on Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance providers provide various plans, with prices depending on plan tier and coverage options, such as cancel for any reason or medical cover.

Comparing travel insurance offerings will allow you to find the best prices. But remember that cheap doesn't necessarily equate with quality.

1. Know Your Needs

If you're planning a trip, take time to evaluate potential risks and compare travel insurance policies before selecting one that fits best with your needs.

Prioritize: Money back if your trip is cancelled versus medical coverage in case of emergency. A comprehensive policy typically offers both, while more basic plans may only cover cancellation or lost luggage coverage. Some plans also offer 24-hour travel assistance services that can assist with things such as booking flights following missed connections or providing translation and legal referral services.

Check the benefits and exclusions. For instance, some travel insurance plans exclude coverage for travelers heading to destinations the U.S. has embargoed or is in conflict with; others may impose age or activity restrictions - though you may be able to get around them by purchasing add-ons.

Example: you could purchase a hazardous sports waiver to allow you to take part in hazardous activities while remaining protected under your travel insurance plan. These add-ons can be costly; be sure to evaluate whether their additional coverage outweighs its additional cost before making your decision.

Make sure that you understand both coverage limits and deductibles before purchasing a lost luggage policy, for instance a $100 deductible means you must pay that amount before the insurer will begin covering losses. Most good policies offer at least $100,000 coverage with some offering even more protection.

If you don't travel frequently, an annual plan might be more cost-effective since its premium typically decreases with each trip taken over time.

Do not forget that many credit cards offer some level of travel protection, if you book using your card. Trip cancellation/interruption coverage and emergency medical evacuation could already be included; review these details thoroughly prior to selecting an insurance policy such as InsureMyTrip; this site offers comparison tools that take customer feedback and provider ratings into consideration when filtering options available to customers.

2. Shop Around

There are various options for purchasing travel insurance. You could visit an insurance comparison website or directly contact providers for quotes; pricing varies based on length and costs of trip, destination, age and any preexisting medical conditions covered. It's wise to read carefully through any policy being considered as some plans don't provide equal coverage.

Many travelers often forget that their credit cards may also offer trip cancellation and delay benefits; however, these may be less comprehensive than standalone travel insurance policies and could have different refund terms. Before purchasing anything with credit, be sure to compare and contrast benefits on each card so as not to overpay. Shopping around and comparing quotes will allow you to find an optimal plan tailored to both your needs and budget. SquareMouth, a NerdWallet partner site, provides comparisons and customer feedback to assist your search for the ideal policy. They even offer a Zero Complaint Guarantee so they will remove providers if any complaints cannot be resolved satisfactorily for customers.

3. Read the Fine Print

Before purchasing travel insurance policies, read their fine print thoroughly to prevent yourself from incurring additional charges or having restrictions placed upon coverage - such as age limits and preexisting conditions which could limit coverage.

Comprehensive travel policies usually cover trip cancellation, lost luggage and emergency medical expenses. Some plans even offer add-ons such as cancel for any reason coverage or rental car collision waiver, although their price can increase the overall policy price tag.

When comparing prices for travel insurance, make sure that all factors that affect its price are taken into account, including provider, type of policy and coverage amount. Cost may also depend on factors like length of trip, destination and number of travelers being insured.

When purchasing comprehensive policies, be sure to shop around among various providers and pick one with a strong reputation for customer service. Companies such as SquareMouth (an NerdWallet partner) and InsureMyTrip provide Zero Complaint Guarantees as well as customer support representatives available 24/7 for questions.

As part of your research, consider whether the plan offers primary or secondary coverage. A primary policy pays claims prior to homeowners/renters insurance being activated while secondary policies require filing a claim with them before exploring other reimbursement avenues.

Deliberating carefully on definitions is also critical, such as those for "family member" and other key terms. Some policies have narrow or traditional family definitions which do not include domestic partners or caregivers while BHTP offers a broader one that covers step-aunts and step-uncles as family.

Establish whether your policy provides primary or secondary coverage for personal property and medical claims. This information can be found either in the plan documents or the fine print of the insurance certificate. Some policies require prior approval before seeking medical care, while others only cover preexisting conditions if purchased within a specific time period after booking your trip.

4. Look for Additional Coverage

Travel insurance can be an expensive undertaking. According to insurance comparison site SquareMouth, travelers spent an average of $234 annually for policies. There may be ways of finding more cost-effective coverage; making that decision ultimately is your decision based on trip type, budget and risk tolerance.

There are various kinds of travel insurance policies, each providing different advantages. Basic policies generally cover emergency health care and trip cancellations at 5--10 percent of total costs; more comprehensive ones cover lost baggage, terrorism attacks, bankruptcies of travel companies and even repatriation (flying home your body after death in another country).

Compare plans, providers and pricing of these supplemental options in order to select one that best meets your needs. Companies like Travelex and Travel Guard offer comprehensive policies which cover baggage protection as well as medical evacuation/repatriation; additionally they typically have 24-hour hotlines you can reach should an emergency arise.

COVID-19's pandemic has led many travel insurance providers to add special coverage. Most frequently this involves raising their maximum medical expense limit while others may provide separate COVID-19 exclusion or provide limited non-medical evacuation coverage.

One alternative option for finding the best travel-insurance deal is using a travel-insurance aggregator website. Such websites allow users to quickly narrow their selection by comparing prices from multiple providers and providing helpful reviews and ratings from previous users; some even provide money-back guarantees!

Travel insurance can be an administrative hassle, but it can help mitigate some of the significant financial risks involved with international travel. Travel insurance should be especially considered if booking expensive flights, hotel rooms, prepaid cruises or any other trips that involve substantial financial investments; also worth exploring for large international trips where your U.S. health insurance won't cover you abroad; other protection such as credit card travel protection plans or membership rewards programs which include trip cancellation coverage may offer adequate safety nets as an alternative.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• 10 Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Ideas You Can't-Miss
• The Most Beautiful Budget-Friendly Beaches in the World
• Budget Travel Planning: Best Mobile Apps
• How to Find the Cheapest Flights and Save Big on Your Travel
• Hacks and Secrets for Booking Budget Hotels and Hostels
• Tips For Budget-Friendly Train Travel

• Auto Insurance Best Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance Compare Car Insurance Quotes Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers Best Auto & Home Bundles Cheapest Cars To Insure
• Home Insurance Best Home Insurance Best Renters Insurance Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Types Of Homeowners Insurance
• Life Insurance Best Life Insurance Best Term Life Insurance Best Senior Life Insurance Best Whole Life Insurance Best No Exam Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance Best Pet Insurance Cheap Pet Insurance Pet Insurance Costs Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
• Travel Insurance Best Travel Insurance Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Best Cruise Travel Insurance Best Senior Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance Best Health Insurance Plans Best Affordable Health Insurance Best Dental Insurance Best Vision Insurance Best Disability Insurance
• Credit Cards Best Credit Cards 2024 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Rewards Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Best 0% APR Credit Cards Best Business Credit Cards Best Credit Cards for Startups Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit Best Cards for Students without Credit
• Credit Card Reviews Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash® Chase Sapphire Reserve Citi Double Cash Citi Diamond Preferred Chase Ink Business Unlimited American Express Blue Business Plus
• Credit Card by Issuer Best Chase Credit Cards Best American Express Credit Cards Best Bank of America Credit Cards Best Visa Credit Cards
• Credit Score Best Credit Monitoring Services Best Identity Theft Protection
• CDs Best CD Rates Best No Penalty CDs Best Jumbo CD Rates Best 3 Month CD Rates Best 6 Month CD Rates Best 9 Month CD Rates Best 1 Year CD Rates Best 2 Year CD Rates Best 5 Year CD Rates
• Checking Best High-Yield Checking Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best No Fee Checking Accounts Best Teen Checking Accounts Best Student Checking Accounts Best Joint Checking Accounts Best Business Checking Accounts Best Free Checking Accounts
• Savings Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Best Free No-Fee Savings Accounts Simple Savings Calculator Monthly Budget Calculator: 50/30/20
• Mortgages Best Mortgage Lenders Best Online Mortgage Lenders Current Mortgage Rates Best HELOC Rates Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders Best Home Equity Loan Lenders Best VA Mortgage Lenders Mortgage Refinance Rates Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast
• Personal Loans Best Personal Loans Best Debt Consolidation Loans Best Emergency Loans Best Home Improvement Loans Best Bad Credit Loans Best Installment Loans For Bad Credit Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Best Low Interest Personal Loans
• Student Loans Best Student Loans Best Student Loan Refinance Best Student Loans for Bad or No Credit Best Low-Interest Student Loans
• Business Loans Best Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit Apply For A Business Loan Business Loan vs. Business Line Of Credit What Is An SBA Loan?
• Investing Best Online Brokers Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Best Low-Risk Investments Best Cheap Stocks To Buy Now Best S&P 500 Index Funds Best Stocks For Beginners How To Make Money From Investing In Stocks
• Retirement Best Gold IRAs Best Investments for a Roth IRA Best Bitcoin IRAs Protecting Your 401(k) In a Recession Types of IRAs Roth vs Traditional IRA How To Open A Roth IRA
• Business Formation Best LLC Services Best Registered Agent Services How To Start An LLC How To Start A Business
• Web Design & Hosting Best Website Builders Best E-commerce Platforms Best Domain Registrar
• HR & Payroll Best Payroll Software Best HR Software Best HRIS Systems Best Recruiting Software Best Applicant Tracking Systems
• Payment Processing Best Credit Card Processing Companies Best POS Systems Best Merchant Services Best Credit Card Readers How To Accept Credit Cards
• More Business Solutions Best VPNs Best VoIP Services Best Project Management Software Best CRM Software Best Accounting Software
• Manage Topics
• Investigations
• Visual Explainers
• Newsletters
• Abortion news
• Coronavirus
• Climate Change
• Vertical Storytelling
• Corrections Policy
• College Football
• High School Sports
• H.S. Sports Awards
• Sports Betting
• College Basketball (M)
• College Basketball (W)
• For The Win
• Sports Pulse
• Weekly Pulse
• Buy Tickets
• Sports Seriously
• Sports+ States
• Celebrities
• Entertainment This!
• Celebrity Deaths
• American Influencer Awards
• Women of the Century
• Problem Solved
• Personal Finance
• Small Business
• Consumer Recalls
• Video Games
• Product Reviews
• Destinations
• Airline News
• Experience America
• Today's Debate
• Suzette Hackney
• Policing the USA
• Meet the Editorial Board
• How to Submit Content
• Hidden Common Ground
• Race in America

Personal Loans

Best Personal Loans

Auto Insurance

Best Auto Insurance

Best High-Yields Savings Accounts

CREDIT CARDS

Best Credit Cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

• path]:fill-[#49619B]" alt="Facebook" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
• path]:fill-[#202020]" alt="Email" width="19" height="14" viewBox="0 0 19 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations this week

Travel Insurance Heidi Gollub

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations last week

Average flight costs: Travel, airfare and flight statistics 2024

Travel Insurance Timothy Moore

John Hancock travel insurance review 2024

Travel Insurance Jennifer Simonson

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review 2024

Airfare at major airports is up 29% since 2021

USI Affinity travel insurance review 2024

Trawick International travel insurance review 2024

Travel insurance for Canada

Travel Insurance Mandy Sleight

Travelex travel insurance review 2024

Best travel insurance companies of April 2024

Travel Insurance Amy Fontinelle

Best travel insurance for a Disney World vacation in 2024

World Nomads travel insurance review 2024

Outlook for travel insurance in 2024

Survey: Nearly 85% of Americans avoid family over the holidays

Travel Insurance Kara McGinley