Americans love to move. From the beaches of Thailand to the vineyards of France, the ancient ruins of Peru to the safari plains of Kenya — US citizens venture to every corner of the globe every single year. But one critical mistake too many American travellers make is assuming they are protected when they are not.
Here is the hard truth: your US health insurance plan almost certainly does not cover you outside the United States. Neither does Medicare. And your credit card’s built-in travel benefits — while useful — are rarely enough to cover a serious medical emergency or a costly trip cancellation.
Travel insurance for US citizens fills that gap. It is the financial safety net that stands between you and a potentially devastating out-of-pocket loss — whether that is a $90,000 medical evacuation from a remote island, a $15,000 cancelled cruise, or a $3,000 stolen camera kit.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything US citizens need to know about travel insurance — from what it covers and what it costs, to the best providers and a step-by-step guide to getting the right policy before your next trip.
Why US Citizens Need Travel Insurance
Many American travellers believe they are already covered through their existing insurance policies. In most cases, they are not — or not nearly enough. Here is why travel insurance for US citizens is so important:
Your US Health Insurance Stops at the Border
The vast majority of US health insurance plans — including employer-sponsored plans, ACA Marketplace policies, and even many Medicare Advantage plans — provide no coverage or severely limited coverage outside the United States. If you are hospitalised in Italy, airlifted from a hiking trail in Nepal, or require emergency surgery in Japan, you will likely be paying entirely out of pocket.
Medicare Does Not Travel With You
This is one of the most important things for American seniors to understand. Medicare does not cover medical care received outside the United States — with only very narrow exceptions. For the millions of US citizens aged 65 and over who travel internationally, dedicated travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is not optional. It is essential.
Medical Evacuation Is Extraordinarily Expensive
Emergency medical evacuation — being airlifted or medically transported back to the USA or to the nearest adequate medical facility — can cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $200,000 depending on your location and condition. No credit card benefit covers that. No standard health plan covers that. Only dedicated travel insurance does.
Trip Costs Are Too High to Leave Unprotected
The average American international trip costs between $3,000 and $10,000 per person when you factor in flights, accommodation, tours, and activities. A trip cancellation policy ensures that if you or a family member falls ill, has an accident, or faces a qualifying emergency before departure, you recover those costs rather than lose them entirely.
The World Is Unpredictable
Natural disasters, political unrest, airline strikes, hurricanes, and global health events can disrupt travel plans with no warning. Travel insurance for US citizens provides a financial backstop when the world does not cooperate with your itinerary.
Who Should Buy Travel Insurance for US Citizens?
Travel insurance is relevant for virtually every American who travels — domestically or internationally. It is especially important for:
- US citizens travelling internationally to any destination
- American seniors travelling abroad who rely on Medicare and have no overseas medical coverage
- Families with significant non-refundable bookings — flights, hotels, cruises, or tour packages
- Frequent travellers who want year-round protection through an annual multi-trip policy
- Adventure travellers engaging in hiking, skiing, scuba diving, or other high-risk activities
- Business travellers carrying expensive equipment or managing critical itineraries
- Cruise passengers, where medical facilities are limited and cancellation penalties are steep
- US citizens living abroad or spending extended time outside the country
- Americans visiting countries that require proof of travel insurance as a visa condition
What Does Travel Insurance for US Citizens Cover?
A comprehensive travel insurance for US citizens policy typically includes the following protections:
| Coverage Type | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable prepaid costs if you cancel for a covered reason |
| Trip Interruption | Covers costs if your trip is cut short unexpectedly |
| Emergency Medical Treatment | Pays for hospitalisation, surgery, and medical care abroad |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covers transport to the nearest appropriate hospital or back to the USA |
| Repatriation of Remains | Covers the cost of returning remains to the USA in the event of death |
| Baggage Loss & Theft | Reimburses lost, stolen, or permanently damaged luggage |
| Baggage Delay | Covers essential purchases (clothing, toiletries) while bags are delayed |
| Travel Delay | Compensates for meals and accommodation during significant delays |
| Flight Cancellation | Covers rebooking costs or reimbursement for cancelled flights |
| Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Optional upgrade — cancel for any reason and recover 50%–75% of costs |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Provides a benefit in the event of death or serious injury during travel |
| Rental Car Collision | Covers damage to rental vehicles abroad |
| 24/7 Emergency Assistance | Access to a helpline for medical referrals, translation, and emergency coordination |
Important: Policy coverage varies significantly between providers and plan tiers. Always read the full policy wording — including the exclusions — before purchasing.
What Is Not Covered by Travel Insurance for US Citizens?
Even the best travel insurance for US citizens policies have exclusions. Common ones include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions — unless a pre-existing condition waiver is purchased within the required window (usually 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit)
- Injuries or losses caused by alcohol or drug consumption
- Participation in extreme sports not listed in the policy (e.g., base jumping, free solo climbing)
- Travel to countries under a US State Department Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory
- Losses from events that were already known or foreseeable at the time of purchase
- Self-inflicted injuries or suicide
- Routine, preventive, or elective medical care abroad
- Losses not supported by documentation (always keep receipts and medical records)
Types of Travel Insurance Available to US Citizens
1. Single-Trip Travel Insurance
Covers one trip from the moment you depart to the moment you return home. The most popular choice for US citizens who travel once or twice a year. Premiums are calculated based on your trip cost, duration, age, and destination.
2. Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Covers all trips taken within a 12-month period — usually with a per-trip duration limit of 30, 45, or 60 days. An excellent and cost-effective option for US citizens who travel frequently, whether for business or leisure.
3. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance
An optional upgrade available on many standard policies. CFAR allows US citizens to cancel their trip for literally any reason — not just covered reasons like illness or weather — and recover 50%–75% of prepaid non-refundable costs. It must typically be purchased within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit.
4. Medical-Only Travel Insurance
For US citizens whose primary concern is emergency medical coverage abroad rather than trip cancellation. These plans are typically cheaper and focus exclusively on emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and evacuation.
5. Adventure & Extreme Sports Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance for US citizens excludes many adventure activities. Dedicated adventure plans cover high-risk pursuits such as mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving, white-water rafting, motorcycling, and more. Essential for active travellers.
6. Long-Stay & Expatriate Travel Insurance
Designed for US citizens spending extended periods abroad — whether working remotely, studying, volunteering, or living as an expat. These plans go beyond standard travel insurance to provide ongoing medical and liability coverage for stays of 6 months to several years.
7. Cruise Travel Insurance
Specifically tailored for cruise passengers. Covers cruise-specific risks including missed port departures, itinerary changes by the cruise line, cabin confinement due to illness, and emergency medical care at sea — where standard emergency services are often hours away.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for US Citizens Cost?
The cost of travel insurance for US citizens generally ranges between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost, depending on your age, destination, trip length, and level of coverage.
Here is a practical cost guide for 2026:
| Traveller Profile | Trip Cost | Estimated Insurance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller (age 28) — 1 week Mexico | $2,500 | $75 – $175 |
| Couple (ages 40 & 42) — 2 weeks Europe | $9,000 | $360 – $720 |
| Family of 4 — 12-day Caribbean cruise | $14,000 | $560 – $1,120 |
| Senior (age 70) — 3 weeks Australia | $8,000 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Solo traveller (age 35) — 6-month backpacking trip | $12,000 | $480 – $1,000 |
| Annual multi-trip policy (age 45, frequent traveller) | N/A | $300 – $700/year |
| CFAR upgrade (added to any policy) | — | Additional 40%–60% of base premium |
Tip: For senior US citizens, travel insurance premiums increase significantly with age — especially for international trips. However, given that Medicare provides virtually no overseas coverage, it is also the demographic for whom travel insurance provides the greatest value.
Best Travel Insurance Providers for US Citizens in 2026
Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right plan. Here are the top-rated travel insurance for US citizens providers in 2026:
1. Travel Guard by AIG
- Consistently ranked among the best overall travel insurance providers for US citizens
- Comprehensive trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation coverage
- CFAR upgrade available on most plans
- Reliable 24/7 global emergency assistance
2. Allianz Travel Insurance
- One of the most recognised names in travel insurance worldwide
- Excellent annual multi-trip plans for frequent US travellers
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings and straightforward claims process
- Wide range of plans from essential to premium
3. Seven Corners
- Highly regarded for international medical and emergency evacuation coverage
- Excellent for US citizens travelling to remote or high-risk destinations
- Flexible plans for both short trips and extended stays abroad
- Strong group travel options for families and corporate teams
4. World Nomads
- The preferred choice for American adventure travellers and backpackers
- Covers 200+ adventure activities as standard — including many excluded by competitors
- Can be purchased or extended while already travelling abroad
- Trusted by millions of travellers in over 100 countries
5. Travelex Insurance
- Simple, transparent plan options — easy to understand and compare
- Children often covered at no additional cost on family plans
- Good adventure sports coverage on select plans
- Competitive pricing for families and couples
6. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- Known for one of the fastest and most streamlined claims processes in the industry
- Tech-forward approach — easy online claims submission
- Good range of plans for both domestic and international US citizen travel
7. GeoBlue (a Highmark company)
- Specifically designed for US citizens travelling internationally
- Exceptional medical coverage with access to a vetted global network of doctors and hospitals
- Ideal for frequent international travellers and expatriates
- Strong prescription drug and mental health coverage abroad
Tip: Use comparison platforms like Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, or Forbes Advisor’s Travel Insurance Comparison to view side-by-side plan breakdowns before purchasing. It takes minutes and can result in significant savings.
How to Buy Travel Insurance for US Citizens
Purchasing travel insurance for US citizens is simple and can be completed in under 15 minutes. Here is how:
- Add up your total non-refundable trip costs — flights, hotels, tours, cruises, and any other prepaid expenses you would lose if the trip were cancelled
- Visit a comparison platform such as Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip, or go directly to a provider’s website
- Enter your trip details — departure date, return date, destination(s), number of travellers, ages, and total trip cost
- Compare plans side by side — focus on emergency medical limits, evacuation coverage, cancellation terms, and exclusions
- Check pre-existing condition waiver eligibility — if you or a travelling companion has a pre-existing condition, confirm the policy includes a waiver and that you are purchasing within the required time window
- Add optional riders if needed — CFAR, adventure sports, rental car, or electronics coverage
- Complete your purchase securely and immediately save your policy documents digitally and in print
- Store your insurer’s 24/7 emergency assistance number in your phone before you depart
Important: Buy your policy on the same day you make your first trip payment. This is the single most important timing rule in travel insurance for US citizens — it maximises your coverage window and qualifies you for pre-existing condition waivers.
Travel Insurance for US Citizens Travelling to Specific Destinations
Europe (Including Schengen Area)
Several Schengen Area countries require proof of travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage as part of the visa application process. For US citizens who are visa-exempt, insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended — healthcare costs vary widely across Europe and can be significant.
Mexico and the Caribbean
Popular destinations for American travellers — and also places where US health insurance provides no coverage. Medical facilities outside major tourist areas can be limited, making emergency evacuation coverage particularly important.
Asia (Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India)
Medical care quality varies significantly across Asia. In remote areas, evacuation to an appropriate facility can be extremely expensive. Comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage is essential.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with a small number of countries — but not the USA. US citizens in Australia or New Zealand are not entitled to subsidised public healthcare and should carry full medical coverage.
Cruise Destinations (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska)
Cruise travel requires specific coverage. Standard travel insurance for US citizens may not cover missed port departures or onboard medical treatment. Always opt for a dedicated cruise travel insurance plan.
Travel Insurance for Senior US Citizens
American seniors represent one of the largest and most active travel demographics — and the group with the most to gain from comprehensive travel insurance for US citizens.
Key considerations for senior American travellers:
- Medicare coverage abroad is essentially zero — this alone makes travel insurance non-negotiable
- Pre-existing condition waivers are critical — purchase within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit to qualify
- Prioritise medical and evacuation limits — choose a minimum of $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in evacuation coverage for international trips
- Check age limits — some insurers cap coverage at 75, 80, or 85; others impose no age limits
- Consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) — health can change unexpectedly; CFAR provides maximum flexibility
Top providers for senior US citizens include Allianz, Travel Guard, Seven Corners, and GeoBlue.
Tips to Save Money on Travel Insurance for US Citizens
- Buy an annual multi-trip policy if you take three or more trips per year — the savings over individual policies are substantial
- Purchase the day you book — early purchase maximises benefits and pre-existing condition waiver eligibility
- Match coverage to your actual trip risk — a domestic weekend break does not need the same policy as a month-long international adventure
- Compare on aggregator platforms — prices for comparable coverage can vary by 40% or more between providers
- Check your credit card benefits carefully — some premium cards include useful travel protections, but medical evacuation coverage is rarely included
- Skip CFAR if your cancellation reasons are already covered — standard policies cover illness, death, severe weather, and many other scenarios without the upgrade
- Ask about group discounts for family or multi-person bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need travel insurance?
While travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most US citizens travelling abroad, it is strongly recommended — particularly for international trips. Without it, you have no overseas medical coverage, no protection for non-refundable trip costs, and no financial safety net if something goes wrong.
Does US health insurance cover Americans travelling abroad?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Most US health insurance plans — including employer-sponsored plans, ACA plans, and Medicare — provide no or very limited coverage outside the United States. Travel insurance for US citizens with emergency medical coverage is the only reliable way to protect yourself medically when travelling abroad.
What is the best travel insurance for US citizens?
The best policy depends on your trip type, destination, age, and budget. For most US citizens travelling internationally, a plan with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage is a strong baseline. Top-rated providers include Travel Guard, Allianz, Seven Corners, and GeoBlue.
Is Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) worth it for US citizens?
CFAR is worth considering if you have a high-cost trip, significant uncertainty about your ability to travel (health, work, family), or simply want maximum flexibility. It adds 40%–60% to your base premium but allows you to cancel for literally any reason and recover 50%–75% of prepaid costs.
Can US citizens buy travel insurance after booking a trip?
Yes — travel insurance can be purchased right up until your departure date for most coverage types. However, to qualify for trip cancellation coverage on pre-existing conditions and to maximise your cancellation protection window, purchasing as early as possible — ideally the same day as your first booking — is strongly advised.
Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?
US citizens are visa-exempt for most European countries and are not required to show proof of insurance at the border. However, travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Europe — particularly for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, and baggage cover. For Schengen visa applicants (non-exempt travellers), a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage is a formal requirement.
Final Thoughts
Travel is one of the most rewarding things a person can do — and protecting that experience should be a priority for every American who ventures beyond US shores. Travel insurance for US citizens is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a fundamental part of responsible travel planning.
From the moment you make your first booking to the moment you return home, the right policy ensures that unexpected events — a medical emergency, a cancelled flight, a stolen passport, a natural disaster — do not define your journey or devastate your finances.
Take the time to compare your options, choose a policy that genuinely matches your trip and your needs, and travel with the confidence that comes from being fully protected.
Ready to travel with peace of mind? Compare travel insurance for US citizens today and make sure your next adventure is protected from start to finish.