Picking the best travel insurance isn’t about finding the fanciest brand or the cheapest sticker price, right? It’s about getting cover that actually fits the way you travel.
I’ve compared nine well-known providers (including my top choice, Rise & Shield) based on what they offer, how pricing stacks up, how claims tend to go, and who each policy suits best.
If you’re after honest, practical travel insurance reviews without wading through jargon, you’re in the right place.
Ready? Let’s roll.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
My 9 Best Travel Insurance Picks for 2025
The 9 best travel insurance companies in 2025 are:
- Rise & Shield
- World Nomads
- SafetyWing
- Allianz Travel
- AIG Travel Guard
- Travelex
- Seven Corners
- IMG (Patriot / Travel Medical)
- AXA Travel Insurance
My Quick Takeaways (Because You’re Busy)
- If you want the best travel insurance for real adventures and normal holidays, Rise & Shield is my #1. It’s built for how I actually travel.
- World Nomads is great, but pricey and rigid on pre-existing conditions.
- SafetyWing is awesome for nomads, weaker for classic holiday cancellation needs.
- Allianz / AIG / Travelex are strong mainstream choices, depending on your trip type.
- IMG is the medical powerhouse. Great if that’s your #1 fear.
- AXA is broad and available, but I’m cautious because claims trust isn’t consistent.
Got a bit more time? Ready for a deep dive into who the best travel insurance providers are? Let’s start with number one.
1. Rise & Shield: My Top Pick for Best Value Travel Insurance
If someone asks me, “What is the best travel insurance?” this is where I start: Rise & Shield travel insurance.
Quick summary:
- Adventure-first cover with 190+ activities and high-altitude options.
- “Anywhere-to-anywhere” global approach (not just UK-outbound).
- Pricing is usually competitive for active trips, especially once you add activities elsewhere.
- Claims support is human and straightforward, with strong early customer feedback.
Pros
- Great for adventurous travellers
- Loads included without surprise add-ons
- Clear wording and activity lists
- Global and flexible
Cons
- Not the cheapest if you want ultra-basic beach-only cover
- Still growing brand awareness compared to legacy giants
Who Is Rise & Shield Insurance?
Rise & Shield is built for travellers who don’t just lie on a sun lounger. They’re a specialist adventure travel insurance provider, but their policies still cover normal holidays too.
What Does Rise & Shield Offer?
Single-trip and annual multi-trip plans, plus activity tiers like Adventure Plus / Extreme for higher-risk stuff (think trekking Kilimanjaro, Inca Trail, 6,500m trekking, polar cruising and more).
How Does Rise & Shield’s Pricing Compare?
For standard sightseeing trips, they’re typically mid-pack. The moment you add trekking, skiing, safari, diving, etc., they often become better value because so much is included as standard.
How Are Rise & Shield’s Claims?
Early reviews are very positive, especially the clarity of cover and support responsiveness. (And yes, I’m biased here, but the feedback is still real.)
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About Rise & Shield
Does Rise & Shield cover trekking and altitude?
Yep. Many trekking activities are standard, and higher altitudes are covered via add-ons. They even boast an interactive activity checker tool to help plan your trip and insurance.
Can I buy it if I’m already travelling?
In many cases, yes. Remember to always check the policy wording for your situation.
Is Rise and Shield insurance only for extreme trips?
Not at all. It’s normal travel insurance too! Just more capable when things get spicy.
Got that? Great. Next up, the second-best travel insurance you can get.
2. World Nomads: Strong Adventure Cover, But Pricier than I Like
World Nomads is a strong second-best on my list of top insurance providers. Here’s why.
Quick summary:
- Big name for backpackers/adventure travellers.
- 150+ adventure activities covered.
- Often more expensive than similar cover elsewhere.
- Claims are mixed: many happy customers, but also “read the fine print” stories.
Pros
- Adventure-friendly by default
- Easy online purchase worldwide
- Good emergency assistance reputation
Cons
- Can be pricey
- No cover for pre-existing conditions at all.
- Some claims frustration tied to exclusions.
Who Are World Nomads?
World Nomads is one of the most recognisable adventure insurers. They’ve been the default pick for long-term travellers for years.
What Does World Nomads Offer?
Solid medical and trip cover, plus adventure activities baked in. You can buy while travelling in many cases. You can learn more by reading my World Nomads travel insurance review.
How Does World Nomads Pricing Compare?
Usually upper-mid to expensive, especially for older travellers or longer trips. Where Rise & Shield beats them: similar adventure protection, but typically more competitive pricing once you compare like-for-like activities.
How Are World Nomads’ Claims?
Plenty of genuine positive claim stories, but they’re strict on exclusions. Pre-existing conditions are excluded without waiver options.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About World Nomads Insurance
Is World Nomads good for backpacking?
Yes, it’s one of their core audiences.
Does World Nomads cover pre-existing conditions?
No, they exclude these across the board.
Can I extend my World Nomads policy while travelling?
Often yes, as long as rules are followed.
Now, let’s discuss the third company on my list of best travel insurance options online.
3. SafetyWing: Brilliant for Nomads, Shaky for Traditional Trips
SafetyWing has been a solid option for digital nomads and deserves the third spot on my list. Here’s why.
Quick summary:
- Subscription-style best international travel insurance for digital nomads.
- Medical cover is decent; cancellation is limited or missing on lower tiers.
- Costs start low for younger travellers (about $56 / 4 weeks).
- Claims are generally fine, but your plan level matters a lot.
Pros
- Great for nomads and long trips
- Simple monthly pricing
- Solid medical limits for the cost
Cons
- Essential plan doesn’t include trip cancellation
- Adventure coverage may require add-ons on lower tiers
- Pre-existing conditions excluded
Who Is SafetyWing Insurance?
SafetyWing is built for long-stay travellers and remote workers who want month-to-month cover. Check out my in-depth SafetyWing review to learn more about them.
What Does SafetyWing Offer?
Two main tiers: Essential and Complete. Essential is mostly medical and luggage; Complete adds broader health and some trip protection.
How Does SafetyWing Pricing Compare?
Very attractive for long, flexible trips, especially under 40. However, if you want proper trip cancellation and full adventure cover without hunting for add-ons, Rise & Shield is cleaner and more complete.
How Are SafetyWing Claims?
Mostly positive, but Essential plan users sometimes feel under-covered when something big happens.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About SafetyWing Insurance
Is SafetyWing good travel insurance for holidays?
It can be, but it’s best for long-stay/nomad setups.
Does SafetyWing cover trip cancellation?
Only on Complete, and limits are modest.
Can I buy a SafetyWing policy mid-trip?
Yes, that’s one of its best features.
Next up, let’s look at Allianz Travel, fourth on my list of best insurance options.
4. Allianz Travel: Reliable Giant, But Can Feel Admin-Heavy
Quick summary:
- One of the world’s biggest best travel insurance company brands.
- Broad plans for most trip types including annual cover.
- Pricing is mid-to-high depending on add-ons.
- Claims are generally solid, but paperwork and reimbursement delays happen.
Pros
- Huge global support network
- Strong medical/cancellation packages
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Can require upfront payment and later reimbursement.
- Not adventure-first unless you choose specific plans.
Who Is Allianz Travel?
Allianz is a legacy insurer with a massive global assistance network.
What Does Allianz Travel insurance Offer?
Comprehensive travel cover: medical, cancellation, interruption, baggage, delays, extras.
How Does Allianz Travel’s Pricing Compare?
Often not the cheapest, but you’re paying for scale and reputation.
How Are Allianz Travel Claims?
Mostly reputable, though some travellers report slow reimbursements or needing to pay first.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About Allianz Travel Insurance
Is Allianz good for mainstream holidays?
Yes, it’s one of the safest “default picks.”
Does Allianz cover adventure sports?
Some plans do, but check the activity list carefully.
Is Allianz travel cover good value?
Good cover, but not always best value travel insurance for active trips.
5. AIG Travel Guard: Flexible Plans, But “Dynamic Pricing” is a Wild Ride
AIG Travel Guard was just knocked out by Allianz Travel for the fourth spot. Here’s why:
Quick summary:
- Well-known US provider with multiple plan levels.
- Strong add-on menu (CFAR, medical upgrades, etc.).
- Pricing shifts a lot based on profile and timing.
- Claims reputation is decent, with some service complaints.
Pros
- Lots of customisation
- Good for pre-existing waivers if bought early
- Solid medical frameworks
Cons
- Pricing can feel unpredictable
- Not adventure-specialist by default
Who Is AIG Travel Guard?
Travel Guard is AIG’s travel insurance division. They are big, established, and especially common in the US.
What Does AIG Travel Guard Offer?
Four main plan tiers, from basic to deluxe, with loads of optional extras. Learn more in this AIG Travel Guard review.
How Does AIG travel Guard Pricing Compare?
Usually mid-range, but prices can spike depending on age/destination/trip value.
How Are AIG Travel Guard Claims?
Generally fine, but the size of AIG means experiences vary by region and case complexity.Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About AIG Travel Guard
Is AIG Travel Guard good travel insurance?
Yes, especially if you want to tailor cover.
Why do AIG prices vary so much?
They use dynamic pricing based on risk factors.
Does AIG cover adventure activities?
Some plans do, but activity cover isn’t their headline strength.
6. Travelex: Excellent for Families, Not Always the Cheapest Solo
I would’ve scored Travelex higher, but since they’re on the pricier side when it comes to solo travel, I simply couldn’t. Let’s continue this review of the best travel insurance picks this year.
Quick summary:
- Strong track record, especially for families.
- Multiple plans with CFAR options.
- Kids-included pricing on certain policies.
- Claims feedback is generally positive.
Pros
- Brilliant for families
- Flexible add-ons
- Strong cancellation benefits
Cons
- Solo travellers may find cheaper options
- Not adventure-first unless you upgrade
Who Is Travelex?
Travelex is a long-standing travel insurer, especially big in the US market.
What Does Travelex Offer?
Six plans ranging from budget to premium, with strong cancellation/interruption cover.
How Does Travelex Pricing Compare?
Great value for families, mid-pack for everyone else.
How Are Travelex Claims?
Judging from TrustPilot reviews, we can assume they have a good service reputation, with decent customer satisfaction on other review platforms.Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About Travelex
Is Travelex good for families?
Yes, one of the best insurance for travel with kids.
Does Travelex include CFAR?
Often yes, as an optional extra.
Is Travelex global?
Yes, with broad international coverage.
7. Seven Corners: Solid Benefits, But More “Reading Required”
Seventh on my list of best travel insurance options is Seven Corners. I promise, I didn’t plan this. Here’s what you need to know about this insurer.
Quick summary:
- Well-rated provider on major comparison sites.
- Strong medical evacuation limits and niche plans.
- Pricing is moderate, sometimes high on premium tiers.
- Claims are mostly positive, but policies can be fiddly.
Pros
- Strong medical/evac limits
- Lots of specialised plans
Cons
- Can be complex to compare plans
- Not always best value once you add activities
Who Is Seven Corners?
Seven Corners is a US-based insurer known for variety: cruises, groups, medical-heavy trips, etc. I wrote a detailed Seven Corners travel insurance review if you want to learn more.
What Does Seven Corners Insurance Offer?
Many plan types, often with strong evac and medical frameworks.
How Does Seven Corners Pricing Compare?
Usually mid-range, but can climb quickly if you want premium cancellation or CFAR.
How Are Seven Corners Claims?
Generally good, though some travellers find the process or wording less friendly than newer brands. And, this is where Rise & Shield beats them. Rise & Shield has a simpler cover structure and clearer activity inclusion.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Is Seven Corners legit?
Yep, A-rated underwriters and strong platform ratings.
Is Seven Corners good for cruises?
Yes, it’s one of their better niches.
Is Seven Corners insurance good for adventure?
Some plans are, but their policies aren't as adventure-native as Rise & Shield.
8. IMG (Patriot / Travel Medical): Beast-mode Medical Cover, Lighter on Trip Perks
IMG was an interesting one to review. Here’s what I found and what convinced me that they deserve to be on this list of the best travel insurance providers.
Quick summary:
- Heavy-duty travel medical and evac focus.
- Evac limits up to $1M on many plans.
- Pricing is often good for long stays.
- Claims reputation is okay, but depends on plan and paperwork.
Pros
- Very strong medical + evacuation limits
- Good for long stays
Cons
- Not the top travel insurance for cancellation-heavy holidays
- Can feel admin-heavy for claims
Who Is IMG (Patriot / Travel Medical)?
International Medical Group (IMG) is basically the “medical nerd” of travel insurance. Great for travellers who prioritise healthcare abroad.
What Does IMG Offer?
Patriot and other series with strong emergency care, evac, and repatriation. Do note, they are less generous on classic holiday extras unless you choose the right tier.
How Does IMG Pricing Compare?
Often good value for long trips, expats, and medical-heavy needs.
How Are IMG Claims?
Generally fine, but IMG is paperwork-driven. Not everyone loves that. This is also where Rise & Shield has them beat: better balance of medical and trip disruption and adventure in one easy-to-understand policy.
Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About IMG Travel Insurance
Is IMG good travel insurance?
Yes if medical cover is your main priority.
Does IMG cover evacuation?
Often up to $1M depending on plan.
Does IMG insurance cover adventure sports?
Some plans do, but it isn’t their core identity.
9. AXA Travel Insurance: Broad Cover, But Claims Trust is Patchy
Quick summary:
- Huge global insurer with UK and international options.
- Good spread of plans for holidays and winter sports.
- Pricing is usually mid-range.
- Claims reputation is mixed; some strong complaints about exclusions.
Pros
- Huge insurer, widely available
- Lots of plan types
- Can be a decent mainstream choice
Cons
- Mixed claims reputation, especially around exclusions
- Less adventure-specialised than Rise & Shield
Who Is AXA Travel Insurance?
AXA is one of the biggest insurers in the world. They sell travel policies in loads of markets. I wrote a detailed AXA review if you’re eager to learn more about their travel insurance.
What Does AXA Offer?
Single-trip, annual, family, active travel, ski/winter sports.
How Does AXA Pricing Compare?
Usually reasonable, but often not the cheapest for high-activity trips.
How Are AXA Claims?
This is where AXA takes a hit. There are plenty of happy customers, but also very visible cases of rejected claims tied to the interpretation of exclusions.Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
FAQs About AXA Travel Insurance
Is AXA a good travel insurance provider?
It can be, especially for standard trips, but read exclusions carefully.
Does AXA cover winter sports?
Yes, on specific plans.
Why the mixed AXA reviews?
Mostly around claims decisions and policy interpretation.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: At the end of the day, the best travel insurance is the one that gives you confidence to travel properly.
Whether that’s a simple city break or a full-tilt adventure, every provider on this list has strengths.
Still, Rise & Shield stands out for how much it includes as standard and how clearly it’s built around real trips, not just generic holidays.
If you want to sanity-check your options in two minutes, grab a quick free quote from Rise & Shield and see how it compares for your exact trip.