Top Travel Insurance Options for US Travelers in 2017
Discover the best travel insurance options for US travelers in 2017, highlighting top providers like Travelex, John Hancock, IMG, and Allianz. This guide covers essential coverage features such as emergency assistance, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and trip cancellation. Whether traveling domestically or abroad, learn how to choose a policy that meets your specific needs, ensuring peace of mind during your adventures. With comprehensive options designed for families, solo travelers, and adventure enthusiasts, this article helps you make informed decisions for a secure and enjoyable trip.
Top Travel Insurance Options for US Travelers in 2017
If you're planning a short road trip or an extended journey across Asia, having the right travel insurance is essential. It provides peace of mind by covering unforeseen events like trip cancellations, theft, or medical emergencies. While not all coverage options are necessary for every traveler, choosing the best policy can be life-saving in emergencies such as accidents or urgent medical needs.
So, what should you consider when selecting travel insurance? Focus on these five key coverage areas:
Global 24/7 assistance: Access help anytime, anywhere, for emergencies or travel support
Medical evacuation & repatriation: Coverage for medical transport or returning home after an emergency
Baggage delay or loss: Compensation for stolen, damaged, or lost luggage and personal belongings
Trip cancellation or interruption: Reimbursement for prepaid expenses if plans change unexpectedly
Emergency medical services: Coverage for medical treatment during your travels
Here are some of the top travel insurance providers for 2017:
Travelex Insurance
Known for its family-friendly policies, Travelex covers children under 21 at no extra charge under its mid-tier “Travel Select” package, which offers up to $50,000 in medical coverage. It also limits total trip costs to $25,000. Its customizable “Lifestyle Paks” cater to specific trip types — from active family adventures to thrill-seeker excursions. The “Active Family Pak” includes pet medical coverage, childcare cancellations, and entertainment reimbursements, while the “Adventurer Plus Pak” provides enhanced coverage for extreme sports and adventure activities. Travelex's customer service is highly rated, with friendly, knowledgeable representatives ensuring a smooth experience. Transamerica Casualty Insurance, its underwriter, boasts an “A” rating from A.M. Best.
John Hancock
Ideal for solo travelers, John Hancock offers robust coverage paired with excellent customer support. Managed by Seven Corners, its policies include Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, with add-ons for trip cancellations and extreme sports. Notably, Silver and Gold plans include up to $150 daily for expenses like meals when flights are delayed by three hours or more, surpassing typical coverage. Extra costs apply for children traveling with primary insureds. Its dedicated support during emergencies makes it a top choice for independent travelers.
IMG
Renowned for adventure enthusiasts, IMG covers extreme sports such as scuba diving, helicopter rides, and moped rentals. Its flagship plan, iTravelInsured LX, provides comprehensive protection for remote or tropical locations with search and rescue, activity coverage, and cancellation for any reason options. Customer service is praised, though baggage and trip delay coverages activate after delays of 6 and 12 hours respectively. Overall, IMG offers extensive protection for adventurous travelers.
Allianz Global Assistance
Best suited for long-term trips, Allianz offers coverage for up to 365 days, making it ideal for year-long travel or study abroad programs. Its Classic Plan with Trip+ fulfills most standard needs, excluding cancel-for-any-reason and hazardous activity coverage. Its reliable service and extensive coverage options make it a preferred choice for prolonged travel experiences.
