Normalize the insured trip
Quotes are not comparable if one insures only airfare while another insures all prepaid nonrefundable costs, or if traveler ages and destinations differ.
Read coverage triggers and exclusions
A benefit label does not mean every event is covered. Review covered reasons, documentation, limits, primary versus secondary coverage, risky activities, and timing requirements.
Use ratios only after coverage review
Premium as a percentage of trip cost and cost per traveler-day help compare price, but a cheaper policy can be poor value if it excludes the risk that motivated the purchase.
Example: two premiums with different scope
A $240 policy on a $6,000 trip is 4% of trip cost; a $330 policy is 5.5%. The $90 difference is meaningful only after comparing cancellation reasons, medical and evacuation limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
What to check before you decide
- Policy wording and state rules control coverage.
- Verify pre-existing-condition, destination, timing, and activity exclusions before purchase.
Sources behind this guide
These official and primary sources let you verify rules, definitions, and terms that may change.
NAIC — Travel insurance consumer information↗