How much does travel insurance cost?
A common rule of thumb is 4% to 10% of what you have prepaid. That is a useful starting point, but age, destination and the level of cover can move your price a long way from it.
By the StarHolidays Editorial Team Updated 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Squaremouth says comprehensive plans typically cost 4–10% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, with about 6% typical.
- InsureMyTrip reports an average of $184 per person for international trips in 2026, around 6% of trip cost.
- Age is usually the largest factor. Destination and optional upgrades also matter.
- Cutting cost by lowering medical limits is usually the wrong trade-off.
On this page
What the published numbers say
Most available pricing data comes from US comparison sites, because they can see large numbers of sales. Treat these figures as benchmarks rather than quotes.
| Source | Figure | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Squaremouth | 4–10% of trip cost | Typical range for comprehensive plans on prepaid, non-refundable costs |
| Squaremouth | About 6%, about $307 | Typical share of insured cost and average price per policy, on an average 15-day trip |
| InsureMyTrip | $184 per person | Average for international travelers in 2026, around 6% of trip cost |
You might notice the dollar figures differ. One is per policy, which may cover several people, while the other is per person, so they aren't really measuring the same thing. It's a good reminder not to treat any one average as "the price".
Applied to a trip, the percentage range works like this:
| Prepaid trip cost | 4% | 6% | 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $80 | $120 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
Try your own numbers in our cost estimator.
Why your price may differ
Age
Older travelers typically pay more because cancellation and medical claims become more likely with age. For a retired couple, the premium may sit well above the percentage rule of thumb. See travel insurance for seniors.
How much you insure
In the US market, comprehensive plans are often priced partly on the value you ask them to protect. Insuring $10,000 costs more than insuring $3,000, so include only prepaid, non-refundable costs. Anything refundable doesn't need cancellation protection.
Where you're going
Medical costs differ by country. Many insurers charge more for trips involving the United States, where bills can be very high. See USA travel insurance for visitors.
Where you live
Pricing methods differ between markets. Many policies sold outside the US rely more on age, destination and trip length than on trip value, so a percentage benchmark can be misleading there. In those markets, compare several quotes rather than relying on a percentage.
Upgrades and medical declarations
Optional extras add to the price. Cancel for any reason is often quoted as adding around 40%. Adventure sports riders and pre-existing condition cover can also change the cost.
Medical-only cover vs. comprehensive
A medical-only plan refunds nothing if you cancel, but it can be far cheaper. It's a reasonable choice when your trip costs are low or mostly refundable, such as a flexible backpacking trip, and your main fear is a large hospital bill.
Comprehensive cover makes more sense when you've prepaid a lot. A $400 premium can feel steep until you compare it with $8,000 of a non-refundable safari package.
Ways to pay less, and ways that backfire
Sensible ways to reduce the cost:
- Insure only what you'd lose. Leave out refundable bookings.
- Check for duplicate cover. A credit card or employer benefit may already provide some protection, but check what card cover really includes.
- Consider an annual plan. If you take several trips a year, annual multi-trip cover may be cheaper than buying one at a time.
- Accept a higher deductible. If you could comfortably pay the first few hundred yourself, this can lower the price.
- Compare several insurers. Prices for the same trip can differ noticeably.
False economies:
- Lowering medical and evacuation limits. You keep a few dollars and take on the risk you can least afford.
- Skipping your medical declaration. A cheaper policy that refuses your claim isn't a saving.
- Buying the cheapest plan without checking activities. If your scooter rental or dive trip is excluded, the policy might not help when you need it most.
A quick reality check
To judge whether the price is reasonable, weigh it against the loss it protects you from. The CDC says a medical evacuation could cost more than $100,000. Against that, even a premium at the upper end of the range is small. For a low-cost trip with little prepaid, though, an expensive comprehensive policy might be hard to justify. Our guide to whether travel insurance is worth it walks through that decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10% too much to pay for travel insurance?
Not necessarily. It sits at the top of the typical range, and older travelers or those adding upgrades can pay that or more. Compare the benefits, not just the percentage, and get more than one quote.
Is cheap travel insurance worth buying?
It can be, if the medical and evacuation limits are adequate and the policy covers your activities. Check what was removed to reach that price. A low-cost medical-only plan can be a good fit for a flexible trip, for example.
Does travel insurance cost more for families?
Usually the total rises with each person insured, but some plans cover children free when traveling with a paying adult. Check how the insurer counts children and up to what age.
Why does age affect the price so much?
Insurers charge according to expected claims, and older travelers statistically tend to have more cancellation and medical claims.