Tower Hill Travel Insurance

Trusted by travelers in 151 countries

Travel Insurance for Travelers Worldwide

Compare comprehensive travel insurance plans from A-rated carriers — IMG, Trawick International, and WorldTrips. Emergency medical coverage, evacuation, trip cancellation and more.

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60,000+

Travelers Covered

151

Countries Served

A-Rated

Insurance Carriers

✓ IMG International✓ Trawick International✓ WorldTrips✓ Licensed Texas Broker #2608479TX✓ Instant online quotes✓ 24/7 emergency support

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy that protects travelers from financial losses caused by unexpected events before or during a trip. It covers costs that your domestic health insurance, employer-sponsored benefits, or government health schemes do not — including medical emergencies in foreign countries, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, and lost or delayed baggage.

Nearly every country's domestic health system — India's Ayushman Bharat, the UK's NHS, Germany's GKV, Canada's provincial plans — stops at the national border. The moment you board an international flight, your local health coverage no longer protects you. A single medical emergency abroad can cost $10,000 to $500,000 or more, with upfront payment typically required before treatment. Travel insurance closes this gap.

For travelers visiting the United States, Schengen visa applicants, students studying abroad, and anyone crossing international borders, travel insurance is not optional — it is a financial necessity. Tower Hill Travel Insurance specializes in helping travelers worldwide find the right coverage for their specific trip, destination, and health profile.

Types of Travel Insurance

Different trips require different coverage. Here are the six main types of travel insurance and when to use each.

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Travel Medical Insurance

Covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and doctor visits while traveling internationally. The most important coverage for any international trip.

Best for: All international travelers

✈️

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons — illness, injury, death of a family member, or natural disasters.

Best for: Pre-paid tours, cruises, and flights

🇪🇺

Schengen Visa Insurance

EU-compliant travel insurance meeting the mandatory €30,000 minimum medical coverage requirement for Schengen visa applications. Required by all 27 Schengen embassies.

Best for: Non-EU nationals visiting Europe

👨‍👩‍👧

Visitor Insurance for USA

Medical coverage specifically designed for parents, relatives, and friends visiting the United States. US healthcare is the most expensive in the world without insurance.

Best for: Parents visiting family in the USA

🎓

Student & Visa Insurance

Coverage for international students, J-1 visa holders, OPT participants, and exchange scholars. Meets J-1 visa insurance requirements and US school requirements.

Best for: Students and visa holders in USA

🔄

Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

A single policy covering unlimited trips within a 12-month period. More cost-effective than buying a new policy for each trip for frequent travelers.

Best for: Business travelers, frequent fliers

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Coverage varies by plan type and carrier. Here's what comprehensive travel medical insurance typically includes and excludes.

✓ Typically Covered

  • ✓Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
  • ✓Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (most plans)
  • ✓Prescription medications for covered conditions
  • ✓Emergency dental treatment (injury-caused)
  • ✓Accidental death and dismemberment
  • ✓Trip interruption due to covered medical event
  • ✓24/7 emergency assistance and coordination
  • ✓Personal liability (select plans)
  • ✓Baggage loss and delay (comprehensive plans)
  • ✓Trip cancellation (comprehensive plans only)
  • ✓COVID-19 medical treatment (most current plans)

✗ Typically NOT Covered

  • ✗Routine check-ups and preventive care
  • ✗Pre-existing condition flare-ups (standard plans)
  • ✗Elective procedures and cosmetic surgery
  • ✗Mental health treatment (most plans)
  • ✗Pregnancy and maternity care (beyond emergencies)
  • ✗Self-inflicted injuries or substance abuse
  • ✗Extreme sports injuries (without adventure rider)
  • ✗War zones or travel against government advisories
  • ✗Pre-travel COVID-19 testing
  • ✗Dental cleanings and routine dental work
  • ✗Vision care and glasses/contact lenses
  • ✗Lost cash or credit card fraud

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance costs vary by age, trip length, destination, and coverage level. These are real price benchmarks based on Tower Hill quotes for a $100,000 policy maximum with a $250 deductible.

Travel Medical Insurance — Cost by Age & Trip Length

Age30 Days60 Days90 Days180 DaysPer Day
Under 30$28–$45$55–$88$80–$130$155–$260~$1.10/day
30–39$35–$58$68–$110$100–$165$195–$330~$1.35/day
40–49$45–$75$88–$148$130–$220$255–$440~$1.75/day
50–59$65–$105$128–$208$190–$310$375–$620~$2.45/day
60–64$90–$145$178–$288$265–$430$525–$860~$3.35/day
65–69$120–$195$238–$388$355–$580$700–$1,160~$4.50/day
70–74$160–$260$318–$518$475–$775$940–$1,550~$6.00/day
75–79$210–$345$418–$688$625–$1,030$1,240–$2,060~$8.00/day
80–84$295–$490$588–$978$880–$1,465$1,750–$2,930~$11.30/day

Cost by Coverage Type (30-Day Trip, Age 45)

Coverage TypePolicy MaximumTypical CostBest For
Visitor Insurance (to USA)$50K–$500K$45–$120/moParents visiting USA
International Travel Medical$50K–$1M$40–$110/moTraveling outside home country
Schengen Visa Insurance€30K+ (required)$35–$85/moEurope Schengen visa
Trip Cancellation100% trip cost$150–$400/tripPrepaid tours and cruises
Student Insurance (J-1/F-1)$100K–$500K$35–$95/moStudents and scholars in USA
Annual Multi-Trip$50K–$250K$300–$800/yrFrequent international travelers

Prices are estimates based on standard plans with $100,000 maximum and $250 deductible. Actual quotes depend on age, trip dates, destination, and selected coverage. Get a real quote at /quote.

Travel Insurance by Country of Origin

Get country-specific travel insurance guidance for your nationality. Each guide covers the best plans, Schengen requirements, medical costs at your destination, and step-by-step buying instructions.

South Asia

→India→Pakistan→Bangladesh→Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

→Philippines→Vietnam→Indonesia→Malaysia→Thailand

East Asia

→China→Japan→South Korea

Middle East

→UAE→Saudi Arabia→Turkey→Egypt→Jordan→Israel

North Africa

→Morocco

West Africa

→Nigeria→Ghana

East Africa

→Kenya→Tanzania

Southern Africa

→South Africa

Europe

→UK→Germany→France→Italy→Spain→Netherlands→Sweden→Switzerland→Portugal→Poland→Ireland→Greece→Russia

North America

→Canada

South America

→Brazil→Argentina→Colombia→Peru

Latin America

→Mexico

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance

Choosing travel insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these five steps to find the right plan for your trip.

1

Identify your trip type

Are you visiting the USA? Traveling to Europe? Do you need Schengen visa coverage? The type of trip determines which coverage category you need.

2

Know your budget

Travel insurance costs $1–$15/day depending on age and coverage level. Decide on a deductible — higher deductibles ($500+) lower your premium significantly.

3

Check pre-existing conditions

If you have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or other conditions, look for plans covering 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions' — most standard plans include this.

4

Compare 3+ plans

Don't buy the first plan you see. Compare at least three options from different carriers — IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips — focusing on policy maximum, deductible, and exclusions.

5

Get your quote

Enter your trip dates, destination, and traveler ages. Review the plan document (Certificate of Insurance) before purchasing. Buying takes under 5 minutes.

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Travel Insurance FAQ

Answers to the most common travel insurance questions from travelers worldwide.

What is travel insurance and why do I need it?▼
Travel insurance is a policy that protects you from financial losses caused by unexpected events while traveling internationally. Your domestic health insurance stops at the border — in most countries, government health schemes (NHS, Medicare, OHIP, Ayushman Bharat, GKV) provide zero coverage once you leave the country. A single emergency abroad can cost $50,000–$500,000. Travel insurance covers these costs.
Is travel insurance required to get a Schengen visa?▼
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. You must show proof of travel insurance with a minimum €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for the entire Schengen area for the full duration of your trip. All 27 Schengen embassies require this documentation. Applications without valid insurance are routinely rejected.
What does travel insurance cover for international trips?▼
Standard travel medical insurance covers emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, emergency dental (injury-caused), accidental death and dismemberment, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Comprehensive plans also include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, and travel delays.
How much does travel insurance cost per day?▼
Travel insurance starts at approximately $1.10/day for travelers under 30, and ranges to $10–$15/day for travelers aged 75–80. For a 30-day trip at age 45, expect to pay $45–$75 for a standard travel medical plan. Prices vary by policy maximum, deductible, destination, and whether you include trip cancellation coverage.
Can I buy travel insurance after my trip has started?▼
In most cases, yes — but with limitations. Post-departure purchases typically have a waiting period (24–72 hours before coverage begins) and may not cover any conditions that arose before purchase. It's always better and cheaper to buy travel insurance before your trip starts. Same-day coverage is generally available for purchase before departure.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?▼
Most standard travel insurance plans cover the 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions' — meaning a sudden, unexpected medical crisis related to a known condition (such as a heart attack in someone with known heart disease). Full pre-existing condition coverage requires a comprehensive plan purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and requires the traveler to be medically stable.
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?▼
Travel insurance is a broad term. Travel medical insurance specifically covers medical emergencies abroad — it's the most essential coverage for international travelers. Full travel insurance packages add trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage coverage on top of medical. If budget is a concern, prioritize the medical component above all else.
Does my domestic health insurance work outside my country?▼
Typically no. The UK's NHS, Germany's GKV, Canada's provincial health plans, India's Ayushman Bharat, Australia's Medicare, and most national health systems provide zero coverage outside their home country. Some exceptions apply within the EU under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but even EHIC coverage is limited and doesn't cover emergency evacuation or private care.
Which travel insurance is best for visiting the USA?▼
For visitors to the USA, IMG Patriot America Plus, Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America are the top-rated plans. The US has the world's most expensive healthcare — a single ER visit costs $3,000–$30,000, and a hospital stay can reach $100,000+. Look for policies with at least $100,000 in coverage and acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.
How do I file a travel insurance claim?▼
Contact your insurer's 24/7 assistance line before seeking non-emergency treatment — they can direct you to preferred providers and pre-authorize care. For emergencies, seek treatment first and contact the insurer as soon as possible. Save all receipts, medical reports, and doctor's notes. File claims with documentation within 90 days of the incident. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
What is emergency medical evacuation in travel insurance?▼
Emergency medical evacuation (medevac) coverage pays for transport to the nearest adequate medical facility — or home — when local facilities are insufficient to treat your condition. International medical evacuations can cost $25,000–$200,000. A medevac from Southeast Asia to the USA or Europe, for example, typically costs $80,000–$150,000. This is one of the most critical travel insurance benefits.
Is COVID-19 covered by travel insurance?▼
Most current travel insurance plans include COVID-19 as a covered illness for medical treatment purposes. If you contract COVID-19 abroad and require medical care, the treatment is generally covered. However, COVID-related trip cancellation (canceling because you're afraid of getting COVID) is typically not covered unless you have a 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR) add-on.
What is the minimum coverage required for a Schengen visa?▼
The Schengen visa requirement is a minimum of €30,000 (approximately $32,000 USD) in emergency medical and repatriation coverage. The policy must be valid for the entire Schengen area (not just the country you're applying to), cover the full duration of your trip, and be issued by a company recognized in the EU. Tower Hill offers multiple Schengen-compliant plans.
Can I extend my travel insurance while traveling?▼
Yes — most travel medical insurance plans can be extended while you're still on your trip, as long as your current coverage hasn't lapsed and you haven't had a major claim. Extensions are typically available in 30-day increments. Contact your insurer or your Tower Hill agent before your current policy expires to avoid any gap in coverage.
Does travel insurance cover adventure sports and activities?▼
Standard travel insurance typically excludes extreme or high-risk activities like mountaineering, skydiving, scuba diving, and off-piste skiing. Many plans offer adventure sports riders or hazardous activities endorsements that add coverage for these activities. If you plan to participate in adventure sports, specifically select a plan that includes or allows this coverage.
What is 'cancel for any reason' (CFAR) travel insurance?▼
CFAR is an optional add-on to comprehensive travel insurance that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just covered reasons like illness or death. CFAR typically reimburses 50–75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. It must be purchased within 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit and adds 40–50% to your premium. It's the most flexible trip cancellation option available.
How soon before my trip should I buy travel insurance?▼
You can buy travel insurance any time before your departure date, but buying early has significant advantages. Trip cancellation and pre-existing condition coverage windows typically require purchase within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit. The earlier you buy, the more you're protected. For travel medical coverage only, buying a few days before departure is fine.
Does Tower Hill Travel Insurance sell policies globally?▼
Tower Hill is a licensed Texas insurance broker (License #2608479TX) offering policies from IMG, Trawick International, and WorldTrips to travelers worldwide. We serve travelers from 151+ countries visiting the USA, and US citizens and residents traveling internationally. Our quote engine is available 24/7 at towerhilltravelinsurance.com/quote.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in a country with no good hospitals?▼
Emergency medical evacuation coverage handles this scenario. If you have a medical emergency in a country with inadequate medical facilities, your insurer will arrange and pay for transport to the nearest country with appropriate care — or transport you back to your home country for treatment. This is why evacuation coverage is non-negotiable, especially for travel to developing countries.
Is travel insurance worth it for short trips?▼
Yes, especially for medical coverage. Even on a 3-day trip, a single medical emergency can cost $50,000–$200,000 without insurance. For a 3-day trip, travel insurance costs as little as $5–$15 total. The financial risk of not having coverage vastly outweighs the small premium cost for any international trip, regardless of duration.

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