According to Squaremouth’s data, 48% of travelers say flight delays or cancellations are their top summer concern. (Credit: nadezhda1906/Adobe Stock)
Summer is upon us, and vacation plans made in the chilly winter months are finally coming to fruition. Around 70% of Americans are planning a trip this summer, Squaremouth reports, but many of them are nervous about their adventure because of mounting flight delays and travel disruptions.
According to Squaremouth’s data, 48% of travelers say flight delays or cancellations are their top summer concern; up from 36% who expressed the same anxieties over a year ago. Vacations are often pricey, and these concerns are driving more customers to purchase travel insurance to protect this investment.
Of course, some travelers procrastinate when making decisions about insurance coverage, so below we will break down the travel insurance companies U.S. News & World Report ranks as the best last-minute trip insurers.
U.S. News & World Report’s top last-minute travel insurers
1. Travelex Insurance Services
Ranking: 4.4 out of 5 stars
U.S. News says: “All three single-trip plans from Travelex – Essential, Advantage and Ultimate – allow travelers to purchase a policy up to 11:59 p.m. the day before departure. Each of these policies includes coverage at varying limits for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical issues, emergency evacuation, lost or delayed bags, missed connections and more. Travelex also provides 24/7 travel assistance and optional add-ons like car rental protections, a pet care upgrade and additional coverage for adventure activities. If you've really left things to the last minute, the provider's Travel Med Go plan can be purchased on the day you leave for your trip.”
2. Nationwide Insurance
Ranking: 4.2 out of 5 stars
U.S. News says: “Nationwide offers a robust suite of insurance offerings, from homeowners insurance and car insurance to life insurance and travel insurance. Nationwide's single-trip travel insurance plans, Essential and Prime, are both available to purchase up to the day before you leave to travel. Coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost or damaged bags, trip delays, emergency medical problems and emergency evacuations are some of the key benefits available on Nationwide's policies. This provider also offers a few add-on upgrades, such as for rental car theft or collision.”
3. Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Ranking: 4.1 out of 5 stars
U.S. News says: “Known for reliable customer service and 24/7 support, Seven Corners has two single-trip options that allow you to purchase the day before you travel: Trip Protection Basic and Trip Protection Choice. Both policies include trip cancellation; trip interruption; travel delay; missed tour or cruise connection; emergency medical; emergency evacuation; and lost, damaged or delayed bag coverage. Cancel for any reason, interruption for any reason, rental car damage and sports equipment rental coverage are all the optional upgrades available from Seven Corners.”
4. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Ranking: 4.1 out of 5 stars
U.S. News says: “Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers a suite of standard single-trip travel insurance plans and specialty plans tailored to trips like cruises, adventure vacations and more. Each of Berkshire Hathaway's seven travel insurance plans allows travelers to book the day before travel. Expect benefits like protection for trip delays, trip cancellation, trip interruption, bag delays, lost and damaged luggage, and emergency medical and evacuation coverage. This provider also offers car rental collision coverage as an upgrade for purchase.”
5. Tin Leg
Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars
U.S. News says: “Tin Leg is known for having numerous travel insurance plans to choose from. However, it's the Silver and Gold policies that are available for last-minute travel insurance: Both can be purchased the day before leaving on your trip. These two plans offer similar key coverages for travelers, including protection for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and travel delays.”
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