An Unsponsored Guide by a Travel Insurance Nerd Who’s Read Way Too Many Policy Documents

Just a heads up: This is an entirely independent review. No insurance company paid me to write this or influenced these recommendations. I spend an unhealthy amount of time reading insurance policies so you don’t have to.

Let’s face it: nobody dreams about buying travel insurance. It’s about as exciting as watching paint dry. But you know what’s even less exciting? Being stuck in a foreign country with a broken leg and an empty wallet. So let’s talk about the companies that’ll have your back when things go sideways on your dream vacation.

The Current State of Travel Insurance

2025 has brought some interesting shifts in the travel insurance landscape. According to U.S. News’ evaluation of 41 companies, the competition is fiercer than ever. With more people traveling than ever and the world being unpredictable, having solid travel insurance isn’t just smart—it’s essential. But not all insurance providers are created equal, and some shine brighter than others.

The Best Overall: Travelex Insurance

Official Website: www.travelexinsurance.com

Travelex has earned the title of 2025’s Best Travel Insurance Company, and for good reason. They’ve managed to strike that sweet spot between comprehensive coverage and reasonable pricing. MarketWatch’s analysis shows they consistently score above average in all rating categories. Their plans are straightforward (no PhD in insurance-speak required), and they cover all the basics: trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and even those annoying flight delays.

Best for Value: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Official Website: www.bhtp.com

If you’re watching your wallet (who isn’t?), Berkshire Hathaway’s ExactCare Value plan stands out as the top choice for value-conscious travelers. They’ve built their reputation on quick claim payments and actually answering the phone when you call—revolutionary, I know.

Best for Medical Coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Official Website: www.allianztravelinsurance.com

Getting sick abroad is about as fun as a root canal, but Allianz makes it slightly less terrible. NerdWallet ranks them as the best for emergency medical coverage, offering some of the highest medical expense limits in the industry. Plus, their 24/7 assistance hotline means you’re never alone in your time of need.

Best for Families: AIG Travel Guard

Official Website: www.travelguard.com

Traveling with kids is already an adventure (or nightmare, depending on the day). Money.com recognizes AIG as a standout choice for families, offering plans that cover everyone without requiring a second mortgage. They even include coverage for kids under 17 in many of their family plans.

Best for Business Travelers: Seven Corners

Official Website: www.sevencorners.com

For the road warriors among us, Seven Corners ranks among the top insurance providers according to Forbes Advisor. Their coverage includes work-related equipment and those last-minute cancellations that seem to happen right before important meetings. Their customer satisfaction rates are impressively above average at 92%, which speaks volumes about their service quality.

What to Look for in Travel Insurance

Before you click “buy” on any policy, consider these key factors:

• Coverage limits: Make sure they’re high enough for your destination
• Medical evacuation: Essential for international travel
• Pre-existing condition coverage: Not all plans include this
• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) options: Worth it if your plans are likely to change
• Claims process: Look for companies known for hassle-free claims

The Bottom Line

The best travel insurance company for you depends on your specific needs, but Travelex, Berkshire Hathaway, and Allianz consistently rank at the top for good reason. As Investopedia notes, companies like Travelex stand out for their strong coverage at reasonable prices.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. According to MarketWatch, while companies like Nationwide and Trawick offer some of the most affordable policies, you’ll want to make sure they provide the coverage you need.

Think of travel insurance as buying peace of mind—it’s worth spending a bit more for coverage that’ll help when things go wrong.

And trust me, in the grand scheme of your travel budget, the difference between a good policy and a great one is usually less than the cost of a fancy dinner out. One leaves you with a happy memory, and the other might save your entire trip.

Safe travels!

Note: Always read the fine print and compare specific policies before purchasing. Coverage options and prices may vary based on age, destination, and trip details.