SquareMouth data shows average 2026 travel insurance premium at $482

The average cost for comprehensive travel insurance in the United States reached $482 in the final quarter of 2026. This figure represents 6.6% of the average insured trip cost, according to data from SquareMouth. The marketplace analyzed premiums from policies purchased between September 29 and October 29, 2026.

Travel insurance protects prepaid, nonrefundable expenses against cancellation, interruption, or delay. It also covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation costs for travelers abroad. While the average price provides a benchmark, individual premiums vary based on age, destination, trip length, and coverage selections.

Industry analysts note that selecting the lowest-priced policy is not always the most effective strategy. Coverage limits, exclusions, and reimbursement rules differ across insurers. A review of major providers for 2026 identified specific advantages for different types of travelers.

Travel Guard’s Deluxe plan received the top overall designation in the review. The plan offers trip cancellation coverage up to $150,000 and trip interruption protection up to $225,000. It includes $1 million in emergency evacuation benefits and a Trip Saver feature that pays up to $2,500 for specific flight disruptions.

The Travel Guard plan also includes a family benefit. One eligible child age 17 or younger can be added to the policy for each paying adult without an additional base-plan premium. This feature is subject to specific restrictions and limits.

Allianz Travel Insurance’s AllTrips Premier plan is recommended for frequent travelers. It covers multiple qualifying trips within a 12-month period. The policy offers trip cancellation and interruption limits ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the selected tier. It includes up to $50,000 in emergency medical benefits and $500,000 in evacuation coverage.

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan is noted for its optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage. This benefit can reimburse up to 75% of eligible nonrefundable costs if a traveler cancels for a reason not otherwise covered. The optional benefit must be purchased within 20 days of the initial trip deposit. The plan includes up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage.

Travelex Insurance’s Ultimate plan targets families with specific cost-saving features. It includes eligible children age 17 and younger in the base-plan pricing at no additional charge. The benefit applies to one qualifying child per insured adult. The plan offers up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and $1 million in evacuation benefits.

Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan offers the highest emergency medical limit among the top-rated options. It provides up to $500,000 in medical coverage. The plan also includes trip delay benefits that begin after just three hours, compared to the five or six-hour thresholds common in other policies.

SquareMouth data indicates that travel insurance generally costs between 4% and 10% of a trip’s prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. Travelers are advised to verify specific coverage limits and state requirements before purchasing a policy.