Travel insurance cost estimator
Two inputs: what you prepaid and the oldest traveller’s age. Out comes the range a comprehensive policy should cost — so you can spot an overpriced quote instantly.
How this tool works
Comprehensive travel insurance is priced as a percentage of the prepaid, non-refundable trip cost you choose to insure. Published 2026 market data (Squaremouth; InsureMyTrip) puts comprehensive plans at roughly 4–10% of trip cost, averaging about 6%; the typical band for most travellers is 4–6%, and that is this estimator’s band for travellers under 65. Age then widens it — premiums step up steeply for older travellers (InsureMyTrip’s 2026 data: average premium $119 for Gen Z travellers vs. $782 for travellers 77+) — so the bands here rise to 6–8% (ages 65–79) and 8–10% (80+). The midpoint shown is the band’s centre (5%, 7%, or 9%). Checking CFAR applies ×1.45, the middle of the typically published +40–50% rider cost.
Two honesty notes: insure only what is actually prepaid and non-refundable — insuring refundable bookings buys nothing — and medical-only plans (no cancellation coverage) price completely differently, usually far less, because they skip the trip-cost percentage entirely.
Questions people ask
Should I insure the full cost of my trip?
Insure the prepaid, non-refundable portion. Amounts you can cancel for a full refund are not at risk, and insuring them only raises the premium.
When must I buy for CFAR or a pre-existing-condition waiver?
Usually within about 14–21 days of your first trip payment, depending on the plan. Buy early if those benefits matter to you.
Does my credit card already cover this?
Many travel cards include trip cancellation/interruption and rental-car coverage, but rarely emergency medical or evacuation. Common smart move: let the card cover cancellation, buy a medical/evacuation-focused plan for the gap.
Is travel insurance worth it for domestic trips?
Sometimes — mainly for expensive non-refundable bookings or when travelling far from your health plan's network. The estimator's small percentages on small trip costs show why it is often a skip for cheap, flexible trips.
Sources: Squaremouth, “How Much Is Travel Insurance in 2026?” (comprehensive plans typically 4–10% of trip cost; average ≈ 6%); InsureMyTrip, 2026 cost guide (typical 4–10%; age-band average premiums, incl. $782 average for travellers 77+). CFAR uplift ~40–50% per published plan guides (Heymondo cost guide, 2026).