Why Travel Insurance for Kids?
First and foremost for a parent is keeping their child safe, which also applies to their vacations. Children are equally prone to disease, injury, and missing bags as adults. Abroad medical expenses can be shockingly exorbitant, and a medical evacuation can run tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance releases some of your financial load.
Types of Coverage for Children.
There are various ways you might insure your child. Usually encompassing two adults and up to eight children, family plans give thorough coverage for the entire family under one policy. Should you have only one child, joint insurance between you and your spouse with a separate policy for your child could be more cost-effective. Children traveling with non-family members should receive individual or group coverage according to the circumstances. If your youngster is flying alone, you must have a separate policy.
What a Good Policy Should Cover.
Medical expenses should be covered under a firm policy (look for at least $100,000 coverage, especially for foreign travel), repatriation—getting your child back home for treatment—trip cancellation or interruption—reimbursing prepaid fees—and baggage loss or damage. Extra coverage for winter sports, adventurous events, or pricey devices might be included. See whether the policy requires purchasing within a specific period of your first trip deposit and whether it consists of a pre-existing condition waiver.
What's Not Usually Covered.
Most basic insurance excludes events involving alcohol or drug use, undisclosed pre-existing conditions, and several extreme sports without an add-on. To grasp its restrictions, be sure to review the policy language. Always declare any pre-existing conditions to be sure your child is protected.
Insurance for School Trips.
After verifying the details, I noticed that school trips typically include insurance arranged by the school. However, this could cover liability, leaving your child's possessions vulnerable. If necessary—especially for pre-existing medical conditions—consider additional coverage.
Family Plans vs. Individual Policies.
Generally speaking, family travel insurance premiums are less expensive than personal premiums. Specific family plans even provide youngsters with free coverage. Family members under annual multi-trip coverage do not all have to travel together to be covered.
Before Comparing Policies.
Think about your trip and the activities scheduled. Ensure your youngster carries a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for state-provided European healthcare. Add specific coverage if they engage in adventurous sports like skiing. Backpacker insurance would be suitable for long travels or multi-destination travel. If you are visiting several sites, check the fine print to be sure your child is covered everywhere. See the maximum travel length for long excursions.
Provider | Policy Name | Coverage Type | Medical Coverage | Cancellation/Interruption | Kids Coverage | Other Benefits | CFAR | Pre-existing Conditions | Age Limits | Cost (Example) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AXA Assistance USA | Platinum Plan | Single & Multi-trip | $250,000 | 100%/150% of trip cost | Sometimes free under 18 | Medical evacuation, lost/delayed baggage, missed connections | 75% (some plans) | Waiver available | Over 18 | $841 (family of 6) |
Post Office | Various | Single & Multi-trip | Up to £10m | Variable | Included in family plans | Lost/delayed baggage, personal liability, COVID-19 cover | Available as add-on | Must be declared | Up to 85 (annual), None (single) | Variable |
Holiday Extras | Various | Single & Multi-trip | Up to £15m | Up to £5,000 | Included in family plans | Gadget cover, winter sports, COVID-19 cover | Not available | Must be declared | Up to 85 (annual), None (single) | Variable |
Staysure | Various | Single & Multi-trip | Unlimited | Up to £5,000 | Included in family plans | COVID-19 cover, gadget cover, winter sports | Available as add-on (Explorer/Epic) | Must be declared | None (Single trip), 85 (Annual Multi-trip) | Variable |
Allianz Travel | Various | Single & Multi-trip | Up to $2m | Variable | Free under 18 (some plans) | 24/7 assistance, pre-existing condition waiver | Available (some plans) | Waiver available | 75+ (restrictions) | $325.80 (Germany trip) |
World Nomads | Various | Single & Multi-trip | Variable | Variable | Included in Family plan | 200+ activities covered, emergency evacuation | Available as add-on (Explorer/Epic) | Must be declared | Up to 70 years old | $277.73 (Germany trip) |
Travel Insured International | Travel Lite, etc. | Single & Multi-trip | Variable | Variable | Included in family plans, some free under 17 | Lost baggage, travel delay | Available | Waiver available | Up to 86 years old | $30-32 (Mexico trip) |
Generali Global Assistance | Premium | Single Trip | $250,000 | Variable | Included in family plans | Emergency assistance/transport, pre-existing conditions | Available as add-on (some plans) | Covered (with requirements) | None | Variable |
VisitorsCoverage | VisitorSecure | Single & Multi-trip | Up to $130,000 | Included | Included in family plan | COVID-19 treatment, medical evacuation | Not available | Acute onset only (under 70) | >14 days old | $130/month (family of 4) |
Insured Nomads | World Explorer | Single-trip | Up to $2m | Included | Included in family plan | Adventure sports, gadget coverage, medical evacuation | Not available | Must be purchased within 14-21 days | Up to 99 | $325 (family of 4) |
Travelex | Ultimate, etc. | Single & Multi-trip | Up to $250,000 | Up to $50,000 | Kids-included pricing (Ultimate Plan) | Travel delay, baggage, 24/7 assistance | Available (Ultimate plan) | Waiver available | 99 | Variable |