Best travel insurance companies and marketplaces
You buy travel insurance one of three ways: a marketplace, a direct insurer, or a specialist. These are the major names in each route, researched from public sources.
Context: comprehensive plans typically cost 4–6% of prepaid, non-refundable trip cost for most travellers, within a wider 4–10% market (Squaremouth; InsureMyTrip, 2026). If a quote lands far outside that band, something structural explains it — age, CFAR, or an insured amount that includes refundable costs. Our cost estimator shows your band in ten seconds.
| Company | Best for | Our rating | How it sells | Why it is on this list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Squaremouth | Comparing many plans in one place | Not yet rated — see methodology | A marketplace: enter trip details once and compare quotes from multiple travel insurers side by side, filtering by benefits. Squaremouth reports the average comprehensive plan runs about 6% of insured trip cost in its 2026 data. | Founded 2003, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida; a comparison marketplace rather than an insurer — the company behind your policy is the insurer named on the plan you pick. Acquired by Specialty Program Group in 2023. Read the full profile |
Allianz Travel | Buying direct from one of the largest travel insurers | Not yet rated — see methodology | Direct purchase of tiered single-trip and annual plans (the OneTrip family) with 24/7 assistance. Annual plans suit travellers taking several trips a year. | Sold by Allianz Partners (U.S. headquarters Richmond, Virginia), part of the Allianz Group; U.S. plans are underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on state and plan. Read the full profile |
Travel Guard | Direct plans with strong assistance services | Not yet rated — see methodology | Direct single-trip plans in tiered levels (Essential, Preferred, Deluxe), sold online; backed by Travel Guard’s own 24/7 assistance and concierge network for medical and logistics emergencies abroad. | Founded 1982, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Owned by AIG from 2006 until Zurich Insurance Group completed its purchase on December 2, 2024; now part of Zurich Cover-More. U.S. plans are underwritten by American Zurich, Zurich American, or National Union, depending on the plan. Read the full profile |
World Nomads | Long trips and adventurous itineraries | Not yet rated — see methodology | Built for independent and adventure travellers: policies you can buy or extend while already travelling, with coverage for a long list of activities (check yours is listed before you rely on it). | Founded in Australia in 2002. The international brand was acquired by IMG (a SiriusPoint company) from nib in February 2026. U.S. policies are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Read the full profile |
InsureMyTrip | Marketplace comparison with deep cost data | Not yet rated — see methodology | A marketplace comparing plans across providers; also publishes buyer-cost research we cite on this site (2026: comprehensive premiums averaged about 6% of trip cost internationally, with steep age differences). | Founded 2000, headquartered in Warwick, Rhode Island; a comparison marketplace, not an insurer. Acquired by Ignyte Insurance in a deal announced September 1, 2026. Read the full profile |
How we ranked these companies
Rankings here are “best for” fits, not a single overall winner. Inputs, per our methodology: the 5-point evidence check (identity and licensing, pricing transparency, complaint patterns, refund terms, independent evidence), market position and availability, sales model (agent vs. direct vs. marketplace), and documented plan features. Commercial relationships are never an input. Every company listed now has a published evidence-check profile and legit check (linked from the table); every company still shows “Not yet rated” — we do not invent scores to fill a table.
What to do next
Find your price band first
The travel cost estimator turns your trip cost and age band into the range a fair quote should land in.
Card coverage vs. a policy
The travel hub explains what credit cards typically cover — and the medical/evacuation gap they usually leave.
Sources for company facts (checked October 2026): Squaremouth — founded 2003, St. Petersburg, FL; average comprehensive plan ≈ 6% of trip cost (Squaremouth 2026 cost guide). Allianz Partners — U.S. plans underwritten by BCS Insurance Co. or Jefferson Insurance Co. per Allianz’s own FAQ; OneTrip plan family per company materials. Travel Guard — founded 1982, Stevens Point, WI; Zurich Insurance Group completed its purchase from AIG on Dec 2, 2024 (now Zurich Cover-More); U.S. underwriting by American Zurich, Zurich American, or National Union, by plan (Travel Guard current terms). World Nomads — founded 2002, Australia; international brand acquired by IMG (SiriusPoint) from nib in Feb 2026; U.S. underwriting by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. InsureMyTrip — founded 2000, Warwick, RI; acquired by Ignyte Insurance (announced Sep 1, 2026); 2026 buyer cost data (age-band averages). Cost context: Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip 2026 guides.