Travel

Best Travel Insurance for International Trips 2026

SmartCents Editorial Team  ·  7 min read  ·  Updated 2026

Missing a flight, losing your luggage, or getting sick abroad used to be just bad luck. Today, without travel insurance, they can cost you thousands of dollars. A single hospital visit in the USA without insurance can cost $10,000 or more.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Medical Emergencies — Hospital bills, doctor fees, emergency treatment abroad. This is the most important coverage to have.

Trip Cancellation — Refunds prepaid costs if you cancel due to illness or family emergency.

Lost or Delayed Baggage — Compensates you if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed.

Emergency Evacuation — Covers emergency transport to hospital or back home. This can cost $50,000+ without coverage.

Types of Travel Insurance

Single Trip — Covers one specific trip. Best for occasional travelers.

Annual Multi-Trip — Covers all trips within a year. Better value if you travel more than twice a year.

Adventure Travel — Specialized coverage for skiing, scuba diving, hiking and other high-risk activities.

What to Look for When Choosing

How Much Does It Cost?

Travel insurance typically costs between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. For a $3,000 trip expect to pay $120–$300. That is very little compared to a $15,000 hospital bill abroad.

Get Covered Before Your Next Trip

Get EKTA Travel Insurance → Compare AURAS Plans →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need travel insurance for every trip?

For domestic trips it is optional. For international trips, especially to countries with expensive healthcare — it is strongly recommended.

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book your trip. Buying early gives you the most coverage options including cancellation protection.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many modern policies now include COVID-19 coverage. Always check the specific policy wording before purchasing.