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Best Travel Insurance for Families 2025 – 5 Plans to Protect Your Family Trip
July 1, 2025
Why Families Need Travel Insurance
Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry – and this possibility doubles (or even triples) when you’re traveling with a family. From flight cancellations to a child’s sudden illness abroad, family trips have unique risks. Family travel insurance is designed to protect families of all types, providing a single policy that covers multiple travelers (parents, kids, and even extended relatives in some cases) under one plan.
Importantly, family travel insurance plans are typically comprehensive. They include coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, emergency medical treatment, travel delays, lost baggage, and more. For example, if you have to cancel a Disney vacation due to a sick child, travel insurance can reimburse your non-refundable expenses. If Grandpa falls and needs hospital care overseas, the emergency medical coverage steps in.
Many families skip travel insurance, assuming their credit card will cover everything or that it’s too expensive. In reality, only about 38% of Americans purchase travel insurance for their trips – often underestimating the risk (and cost) of potential mishaps. The good news is that family policies are affordable, averaging around $22 per day for coverage. That’s a small price for peace of mind when your whole crew is on the road. Plus, some premium travel credit cards do offer built-in travel insurance benefits for family members if you use the card to pay for the trip, but coverage limits vary. A dedicated family travel insurance plan fills in the gaps so you’re fully protected.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for Families in 2025
Choosing the best travel insurance for families comes down to finding solid coverage at a good value. Below, we highlight five top-rated family travel insurance plans – each with family-friendly perks like free coverage for kids or exceptional benefits for parents. These options can keep everyone from toddlers to grandparents protected on your next trip.
1. Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX (Best Overall)
Travel Insured International’s FlexiPAX plan is often singled out as the best overall family travel insurance in 2025. Its standout feature is an extremely generous “Kids Free” policy – you can cover up to 9 children (under 18) per insured adult at no extra cost. This makes it ideal for large families or parents traveling with lots of kids (even a youth sports team or multi-family group).
In addition to the savings on child premiums, FlexiPAX offers well-rounded, robust protection. It comes standard with high coverage limits – up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage and ample trip cancellation benefits. In fact, it boasts the highest emergency medical coverage of any family plan on Squaremouth’s marketplace. Parents can also customize the plan with optional upgrades like “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) or rental car coverage for maximum flexibility. Given its combination of comprehensive benefits and kid-friendly pricing, it’s no surprise roughly 23% of families using Squaremouth pick FlexiPAX for their trips.
2. Travelex Travel Select (Best for Families with Kids)
The Travelex Travel Select plan is frequently rated a top choice for traveling families – and for good reason. Children under 18 are covered at no additional cost when traveling with a covered adult, which can save you a lot if you have multiple kids. In other words, a family of four (two parents, two kids) only needs to pay for the adults’ coverage – the kids ride free. This “kids included” pricing is a huge draw for budget-conscious families.
Travelex Travel Select is also a comprehensive plan with strong coverage across the board. It includes 100% reimbursement for trip cancellations, coverage for trip interruptions and delays, baggage loss protection, and emergency medical and evacuation coverage. You can even add a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade for extra peace of mind in today’s uncertain travel climate. Travelex has a long track record in travel insurance, and its policies are known for being straightforward and reliable. Industry experts often rank Travelex as one of the best overall travel insurance providers (U.S. News & World Report gave it a 4.4/5 rating), so you know you’re getting a trusted option. For families – especially those with young children – Travel Select strikes an excellent balance of solid protection and value.
3. Allianz Travel Insurance (Best Comprehensive Coverage)
Allianz is one of the biggest names in travel insurance, and they offer a variety of plans suitable for families. If you’re seeking comprehensive coverage from a highly reputable provider, Allianz’s plans deserve a look. For example, the Allianz OneTrip Premier plan is often highlighted as an excellent choice for families who want maximum coverage for high-cost trips. Allianz plans typically include all the standard protections (trip cancellation, interruption, medical, baggage, etc.) and then some. They even offer annual multi-trip policies, which can be cost-effective if your family travels frequently.
One notable perk: Allianz allows a lot of customization. You can tailor coverage with optional add-ons like rental car insurance or “Cancel Anytime” upgrades for more flexibility. Their policies also tend to have generous benefit limits – for instance, up to $1,000 per person for lost baggage on some plans. Allianz is known for solid emergency assistance services too, which is a comforting backup to have when traveling with kids. While Allianz doesn’t specifically advertise free coverage for children, families often choose Allianz for the company’s reliability and extensive coverage options. It’s a great pick if you don’t mind paying a bit more for a top-tier plan that leaves no stone unturned.
4. Berkshire Hathaway ExactCare (Best Budget Family Plan)
Traveling on a budget? Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s ExactCare plan is our top budget pick for families. It’s actually the least expensive family plan with a kids-free benefit on the Squaremouth marketplace – averaging about $159 premium, which is less than half the average cost of other family plans (average ~$332). With ExactCare, two children are covered free per insured adult, so a family with one or two kids can pay very low rates and still get insured. This plan proves that you don’t need to sacrifice protection to save money.
Despite its low price, ExactCare offers solid essential coverage. It covers up to $100,000 in trip cancellation losses (to refund your prepaid trip costs) and includes up to $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage to get your family to safety in a worst-case scenario. It’s a no-frills plan without a lot of fancy extras, but it checks all the important boxes: medical care, trip interruption, baggage, and even coverage for pre-existing condition flare-ups if you purchase soon after your trip deposit. For many families, especially those with young kids, ExactCare hits the sweet spot of affordability and adequate protection. It’s an ideal choice when you want basic peace of mind that fits the family budget.
5. Arch RoamRight (Best for Adventure-Loving Families)
Arch RoamRight stands out for families planning adventurous or active vacations. This provider specializes in covering a wide range of adventure sports and activities – from scuba diving and skiing to bungee jumping – which means parents and older kids can tackle exciting excursions without worrying about exclusions. RoamRight’s comprehensive plans still include all the standard benefits (medical coverage, trip cancellation, 24/7 assistance, etc.), but that added focus on adventure coverage is a plus if your family loves thrill-seeking.
Another family-friendly perk: RoamRight lets one child under 18 travel free for each insured adult on the policy. So, a parent + one kid = kid is free; two parents + two kids = both kids free, and so on. This can significantly cut costs for a family plan. Arch RoamRight also offers a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade (reimbursing 75% of trip costs) that allows you to call off your trip last-minute – helpful for family emergencies or if someone gets cold feet before that skydiving outing. Overall, Arch RoamRight is a great match for families that want strong travel insurance and a taste of adventure. You get the peace of mind that medical emergencies and extreme activities are covered, all while saving money on premiums thanks to the free child coverage feature.
Tips for Choosing the Right Family Travel Insurance
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With so many options on the table, keep these pointers in mind to find the perfect policy for your family:
- Cover Everyone: Ensure the policy can cover all family members traveling. Check the definition of “family” in the plan – most include immediate family (spouse, kids, parents, etc.), but if you’re bringing along grandma or a cousin, confirm they can be added. Verify any age limits (e.g. kids under 17 free).
- Look for “Kids Free” Deals: As we’ve seen, some of the best family policies let children join at no extra cost. This can save hundreds of dollars. If a plan doesn’t offer this, calculate if the total premium still makes sense versus a competitor that covers kids for free.
- Compare Coverage Limits: Families should pay special attention to medical and emergency evacuation limits. Kids are prone to illness/injury, and medical care abroad can be costly. Aim for a plan that offers at least ~$100,000 in emergency medical coverage and sufficient evacuation coverage (we recommend $250,000 or more for international trips). Also check trip cancellation coverage – it should equal or exceed your total trip cost in case you have to cancel.
- Consider Add-Ons for Flexibility: Family trips can be unpredictable. A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade (offered by top plans like FlexiPAX and RoamRight) lets you cancel even for non-covered reasons and get a majority of your money back, which can be worth it for expensive vacations. If you’re traveling with expensive gear (strollers, car seats, etc.), consider adding baggage coverage or rental car damage protection as needed.
- Leverage Credit Card Perks: Before you buy a policy, see what coverage you might already have. Many travel credit cards include travel insurance benefits for trips paid with the card – often covering things like trip cancellation, baggage loss, or rental car damage for you and immediate family. For example, some Chase and Amex cards automatically protect your family’s trip if you use them to book. However, credit card coverage can have lower limits and may not include medical expenses abroad. Use a tool like Kudos to quickly check your cards’ travel insurance perks, then decide if you need additional coverage. This way, you won’t pay twice for the same protection.
By weighing these factors, you can choose a family travel insurance plan that fits both your coverage needs and your budget. The right policy will let you relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing your family’s financial well-being is safeguarded against surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is travel insurance worth it for family trips?
Yes. Travel insurance can be a trip-saver for families, because it protects you against expensive surprises. If your child gets sick and you have to cancel a non-refundable trip, insurance can reimburse you. If someone needs emergency medical care abroad, the bills (often thousands of dollars) are covered. For a relatively small cost, a family travel policy provides peace of mind that your vacation investment is protected.
Can a whole family be covered under one travel insurance policy?
Yes – many insurers offer family travel insurance plans that cover multiple family members under one policy. When getting a quote, you simply select the number of adults and children traveling. The policy will then cover everyone together, often with a single set of coverage limits. This is usually simpler (and sometimes cheaper) than buying separate policies for each person. Always list all travelers’ details on the application so that each family member is named and covered.
Are children included for free in family travel insurance plans?
Yes, some travel insurance companies include children at no extra cost on a family policy. For example, certain plans will cover kids 17 and under for free with a paying adult. Not all policies do this, but many of the best family-oriented plans (like Travelex Travel Select, Travel Insured’s FlexiPAX, etc.) offer “kids fly free” coverage to make insurance more affordable for families. It’s wise to seek out these plans if you have kids, as they can significantly lower your overall premium.
What does family travel insurance cover that’s different from regular travel insurance?
In terms of core benefits, a family travel insurance plan covers the same types of things as a regular plan – trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, travel delays, evacuation, and so on. The difference is mainly in convenience and sometimes cost: you’re bundling coverage for the whole family together. Some family plans offer special perks like coverage for kids at no cost or higher coverage limits tailored to family needs. Also, family plans recognize a broader definition of “covered persons” (spouse, children, maybe other relatives) whereas an individual plan just covers the policyholder. Essentially, family insurance ensures everyone on the trip is protected equally under one policy.
When should I buy travel insurance for a family vacation?
It’s best to purchase travel insurance shortly after you book your trip. Most policies should be bought before any mishap occurs, and buying early ensures you’re covered for events that might happen in the weeks or months leading up to departure (e.g. a family member falling ill before the trip). Additionally, if you want coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, many insurers require you to buy the policy within 10–15 days of your initial trip deposit. So, once you’ve paid for significant trip costs (flights, hotels, etc.), it’s a good idea to secure travel insurance for your family soon after.
Conclusion
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Family vacations create lifelong memories – and a good travel insurance plan helps make sure those memories are happy ones. By investing in the right travel insurance for your family, you’re shielding your loved ones and your wallet from the unexpected. Whether it’s a stomach bug the night before your cruise or a lost suitcase full of kids’ gear, you’ll have backup. The policies we discussed offer a range of family-friendly benefits, from kids-free coverage to high medical limits, so you can pick what fits your needs and budget.
Ultimately, the best travel insurance for your family is one that lets you travel with confidence, knowing you have a financial safety net in place. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and head out on your adventure – and let the insurance handle the “what ifs.” With a bit of planning (and smart tools like Kudos to help you spot hidden card perks), you can focus on making memories, not managing mishaps. Safe travels!
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