Where to Buy Travel Insurance in 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2023April 8, 2026 — 6 min read

Key Takeaways

You should always compare travel insurance plans from multiple sources before making a purchase decision to ensure you’re getting the best value for money
Comparison sites are the best place to compare and analyze travel insurance plans from multiple providers
Travel insurance premiums are heavily regulated and must be consistent across channels. It is also illegal for providers to offer discounts or reduced rates to certain buyers, which promotes equal pricing for all travelers.
Travelers should avoid purchasing trip protection directly from airlines and cruise lines without comparing alternatives, since coverage from travel suppliers is often more limited and expensive than other sources
You should utilize your complimentary travel benefits offered by your travel credit card when possible, but it is not a like-for-like replacement for standard trip insurance
If your destination requires travel insurance, you may need to buy it directly from a local, government-approved provider

Purchasing travel insurance has never been easier. But with options ranging from online marketplaces to travel suppliers, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top ways to purchase trip protection and break down the pros and cons of each, helping you choose the option that best fits your needs.

The Best Places to Get Travel Insurance

Throughout the trip planning process, you’ll likely encounter many opportunities to protect your trip. While it can be tempting to purchase the first policy you see, it’s important to take a moment to consider your options, as the best coverage may vary depending on your destination, itinerary, and comfort with risk.

Below are the top places you can find travel insurance ahead of your upcoming trip:

Travel Insurance Comparison Sites

Pros	Cons
The easiest way to get the coverage you need at the best price Access to hundreds of policies from the nation’s top providers Easy side-by-side comparison of coverage, pricing, and benefits Helps you find the best value for your specific trip and needs Filters and sorting tools make it easier to narrow down options Some sites can mediate claims disputes on your behalf	Too many options can be overwhelming for some Comparing multiple policies in detail can be time-consuming Not all providers may be included on every comparison site Unable to directly manage claims

Bias aside, the best place to buy travel insurance is from a comparison marketplace. Using a comparison site like Squaremouth to find coverage allows you to sort through 100+ policies in minutes and perform side-by–side analysis on the industry’s most popular plans.

Travel insurance comparison sites save you time by eliminating the need to shop across multiple providers, and money by making it easy to compare prices and coverage from top-rated plans in one place.

This approach is recommended for all types of travelers who want the best possible trip protection at the lowest possible prices.

Insurance Providers (Direct Purchase)

Pros	Cons
Buy directly from the source, with no intermediary Ability to speak directly with provider representatives May offer provider-specific plans or benefits not listed elsewhere One point of contact throughout the entire process, from purchase to claims filing	Limited options, with many providers only offering a couple of plans No ability to compare plans from other providers Harder to determine if you’re getting the best value

Buying directly from a travel insurance provider offers a straightforward, no-middleman approach to coverage. This option gives you direct access to a company’s full range of plans, along with provider-specific customer support.

However, since you’re only viewing one provider’s offerings at a time, it can be difficult to gauge whether you’re getting the best value without shopping around elsewhere.

This approach is best suited for travelers who already have a preferred provider or know exactly which policy they want.

Airlines, Cruise Lines, and Travel Suppliers

Pros	Cons
Quick and convenient to purchase during the booking process Seamless bundling with your trip Coverage may be tailored to your specific itinerary (e.g., cruises)	Limited plan options (often just one or two choices) No option to compare plans from other providers Generally more expensive while offering less coverage than standalone travel insurance plans Less flexibility to customize coverage

Many airlines, cruise lines, and travel suppliers offer insurance during the booking process, making it a convenient add-on when purchasing your trip. Even vacation rental companies like Airbnb and VRBO now offer some form of trip protection. These plans are often tailored to your itinerary and underwritten by a reputable insurer.

While known for their convenience, these policies are typically more expensive and less robust than travel insurance plans that you would buy from a third-party provider. Customization is also hard to come by when purchasing through a travel supplier, with few offering the option to apply upgrades or add-ons for additional protection.

This approach is best for travelers who prioritize convenience and want a quick, bundled solution without comparing multiple plans.

Travel Credit Cards

Pros	Cons
Coverage is often included at no additional cost Automatic protection when you use the card to book your trip Can cover common issues like trip delays, cancellations, or lost baggage Can be used to supplement a standard travel insurance plan	Coverage limits are often lower than those of standalone policies Typically does not include important benefits like Emergency Medical or Medical Evacuation Requires full or partial trip payment with the card The claims process can be more restrictive or complex

Many travel credit cards now include built-in insurance benefits when you use the card to pay for your trip. This trip protection usually includes popular benefits like Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Baggage Loss, and Trip Delay at no additional cost.

However, coverage limits are typically low, and many travel credit cards do not offer essential benefits like Emergency Medical or Medical Evacuation. For that reason, we don’t recommend replacing standard travel insurance with your travel credit card perks, but rather using it as a supplemental protection to fill in smaller gaps.

This approach is best for travel credit card holders who want to use their complimentary trip protection to supplement their travel insurance.

Travel Agents and Advisors

Pros	Cons
Personalized recommendations based on your trip and needs Many agents can provide expert guidance tailored to your travel habits Helpful for complex or high-cost itineraries	May offer a limited selection of providers or plans Potential for bias toward preferred partners Agents usually work on a fee basis, which can become expensive

Travel agents and advisors can help simplify the process by recommending travel insurance based on your specific trip and needs. Since travel agents plan, book, and manage travel itineraries for a living, many have a unique perspective on travel insurance. This personalized guidance and expertise can be especially valuable for complex or high-cost itineraries.

However, agents may be biased towards certain providers they partner with, which can reduce transparency and limit your options. Travel agents and their services can be expensive, depending on the level of detail.

This approach is best for travelers who are already working with a travel agent to plan their trip and want personalized expert guidance to help them buy travel insurance.

Other Sources of Travel Insurance

While less common, it may be possible to get travel insurance through these other sources:

Employers: Some companies offer travel insurance as part of their benefits package, particularly for business travel purposes.
Membership Organizations: Groups like AAA or AARP may provide access to travel insurance plans for members.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking platforms like Expedia and Booking.com sometimes offer insurance at checkout, typically as a convenient add-on to flights, hotels, or vacation packages.
Banks and Credit Unions: Certain financial institutions offer travel insurance products or perks tied to premium accounts or services.
Foreign Insurance Companies: Travelers may have the option to purchase coverage from international providers, which is sometimes mandatory when destinations require travel insurance.

FAQ: Where to Buy Travel Insurance

Is it Cheaper to Buy Travel Insurance Directly From a Provider?

No . Travel insurance is a regulated product, and it must be sold for the same price, no matter where you choose to buy. As a result, costs the same whether you buy it directly from a provider or through a comparison site like Squaremouth. Travel insurance promotions, seasonal sales, and discounts are illegal by law.

Can I Purchase Travel Insurance Over the Phone?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance over the phone. Most major travel insurance providers and comparison sites offer dedicated customer service teams that can provide quotes and help you buy policies directly. This can be a good option if you are on the go or have difficulties making purchases on a computer or mobile device.

Where Can I Buy Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Comparison marketplaces or provider websites are your best bet for purchasing coverage to satisfy Schengen Visa travel insurance requirements. To be granted entry into the Schengen Area, visitors who need a visa must find a policy that meets the following requirements:

Must provide a minimum of €30,000 (approximately $32,000 USD) in Emergency Medical coverage
Cover emergency evacuations and repatriation services (returning you to your home country) for medical reasons or death
Must last for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Zone.
The insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries, regardless of your specific travel destination(s).