In the second half of this article, you'll find a practical table on Travel Insurance Options for Children: A Comprehensive Comparison, which summarizes key policy details like coverage type, medical coverage limits, cancellation and interruption benefits, kids' coverage specifics, additional benefits offered (such as medical evacuation, lost baggage, and COVID-19 coverage), availability of Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options, pre-existing condition policies, age limits, and example costs across a range of providers and plans to help you better understand the key data at a glance.

child pre-existing condition travel insurance

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.

travel insurance for family with children

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.

Travel Insurance Options for Children
ProviderPolicy NameCoverage TypeMedical CoverageCancellation/InterruptionKids CoverageOther BenefitsCFARPre-existing ConditionsAge LimitsCost (Example)
AXA Assistance USAPlatinum PlanSingle & Multi-trip$250,000100%/150% of trip costSometimes free under 18Medical evacuation, lost/delayed baggage, missed connections75% (some plans)Waiver availableOver 18$841 (family of 6)
Post OfficeVariousSingle & Multi-tripUp to £10mVariableIncluded in family plansLost/delayed baggage, personal liability, COVID-19 coverAvailable as add-onMust be declaredUp to 85 (annual), None (single)Variable
Holiday ExtrasVariousSingle & Multi-tripUp to £15mUp to £5,000Included in family plansGadget cover, winter sports, COVID-19 coverNot availableMust be declaredUp to 85 (annual), None (single)Variable
StaysureVariousSingle & Multi-tripUnlimitedUp to £5,000Included in family plansCOVID-19 cover, gadget cover, winter sportsAvailable as add-on (Explorer/Epic)Must be declaredNone (Single trip), 85 (Annual Multi-trip)Variable
Allianz TravelVariousSingle & Multi-tripUp to $2mVariableFree under 18 (some plans)24/7 assistance, pre-existing condition waiverAvailable (some plans)Waiver available75+ (restrictions)$325.80 (Germany trip)
World NomadsVariousSingle & Multi-tripVariableVariableIncluded in Family plan200+ activities covered, emergency evacuationAvailable as add-on (Explorer/Epic)Must be declaredUp to 70 years old$277.73 (Germany trip)
Travel Insured InternationalTravel Lite, etc.Single & Multi-tripVariableVariableIncluded in family plans, some free under 17Lost baggage, travel delayAvailableWaiver availableUp to 86 years old$30-32 (Mexico trip)
Generali Global AssistancePremiumSingle Trip$250,000VariableIncluded in family plansEmergency assistance/transport, pre-existing conditionsAvailable as add-on (some plans)Covered (with requirements)NoneVariable
VisitorsCoverageVisitorSecureSingle & Multi-tripUp to $130,000IncludedIncluded in family planCOVID-19 treatment, medical evacuationNot availableAcute onset only (under 70)>14 days old$130/month (family of 4)
Insured NomadsWorld ExplorerSingle-tripUp to $2mIncludedIncluded in family planAdventure sports, gadget coverage, medical evacuationNot availableMust be purchased within 14-21 daysUp to 99$325 (family of 4)
TravelexUltimate, etc.Single & Multi-tripUp to $250,000Up to $50,000Kids-included pricing (Ultimate Plan)Travel delay, baggage, 24/7 assistanceAvailable (Ultimate plan)Waiver available99Variable