Travel Medical Insurance
What does travel medical insurance cost?
A few clear factors set the price. Know them, and you’ll understand any quote — and where you can trim it without losing the protection that matters.
What drives the premium
- Age of each traveller — the biggest factor, as with all medical coverage.
- Destination — US-inclusive trips cost more; some plans let you exclude the US to save.
- Trip length — you pay for the days covered.
- Coverage amount — higher limits for higher-cost destinations.
- Deductible — a per-claim deductible lowers the premium.
- Pre-existing coverage — adds cost but can be essential for older travellers.
Illustrative examples
These ranges are illustrative only — not quotes. Real rates depend on the insurer, exact age and health, destination, deductible, and date of purchase.
| Traveller age | Non-US trip* | US-inclusive* |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | $1–$3 / day | $2–$5 / day |
| 40–59 | $2–$5 / day | $4–$8 / day |
| 60–69 | $4–$8 / day | $6–$13 / day |
| 70+ | $7–$15 / day | $11–$22+ / day |
*Illustrative only. Pre-existing coverage and higher limits increase these; a higher deductible reduces them.
Ways to lower the cost
- Exclude the US if your trip doesn’t go there.
- Choose a deductible you’re comfortable with.
- Go annual if you travel three or more times a year.
- Buy the exact days you need, no more.
- Compare insurers — prices vary for the same trip.
Cost FAQ
Why does US travel cost more to insure?
Because medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world, insurers price US-inclusive plans higher than plans that exclude the US. If your trip doesn't include the US, you may be able to save.
Is an annual plan cheaper than several single trips?
If you take three or more trips a year, an annual multi-trip plan is frequently cheaper than buying single-trip coverage each time. See single-trip vs multi-trip.
Does a deductible lower the cost?
Yes — choosing a per-claim deductible typically reduces the premium, which can be a sensible trade for healthy travellers.
Related
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