Best Travel Insurance in California for 2026

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California is a state of extremes. You have access to world-class beaches, mountains, deserts, and wine country without leaving state lines. You’re a short drive from Mexico and a direct flight from Asia. And you live with the constant reality of wildfires that can turn a clear day into an orange-skied apocalypse with almost no warning.

This guide is specifically for California residents. We’ll cover the unique insurance considerations you face, from wildfire coverage (and its frustrating limitations) to the critical requirements for crossing into Mexico, to making the most of your position as a gateway to the Pacific. Because when you live in a state where “fire season” is basically year-round and Tijuana is closer than Sacramento, generic travel insurance advice doesn’t cut it.

Best Travel Insurance Companies in California at a Glance

RateChaser's picks for the best travel insurance in California.
CompanyBest ForHighlightsNext Steps
Faye Travel InsuranceBest Overall
  • Pretty much everything & anything related to your travel well-being
  • Get a quote in 60 seconds, 24/7 assistance & quick claims. 
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Battleface Travel InsuranceBest for Adventure and Sporting Trips
  • Consistently affordable pricing below industry averages.
  • Adventure sports coverage is included automatically.
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Travelex Travel InsuranceBest for Families
  • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the Ultimate plan (one child per adult) significantly reduces family travel insurance costs.
  • Excellent pre-trip customer service with knowledgeable, patient representatives and a user-friendly website.
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Generali Travel InsuranceBest for Cruises & Vacation Rentals
  • A simple three-tier plan structure makes comparison easy.
  • 24/7/365 emergency assistance hotline.
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HTH Travel InsuranceBest for Extended International Stays
  • Specialized insurance products designed for expatriates, international students, and digital nomads staying abroad for months or even years.
  • Coverage for travelers up to 95 years old.
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    Travel Insured InternationalCancel for Any Reason Coverage
    • Highly customizable coverage with a three-tier structure and multiple add-on bundles
    • Strong coverage for pre-existing conditions when purchased within a time-sensitive window
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    Aegis Travel InsuranceBest for Budget Policies
    • Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
    • Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
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    Berkshire Hathaway Travel InsuranceBest Claim Processing
    • Industry-leading claims speed.
    • Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling).
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    Top-Rated Travel Insurance Companies in California of 2026

    Faye Travel Insurance

    Best Overall Travel Insurance Company
    Editor's Rating
    9.0
    Great for Online Experience

    Faye Travel Insurance stands out due to its genuinely impressive, digital-first experience that makes travel insurance user-friendly and non-anxiety-inducing. A significant strength is its financial security, with plans underwritten by U.S. carriers United States Fire Insurance Company and Great American Insurance Group, both holding the gold standard A+ rating from A.M. Best. Furthermore, the base plan offers strong emergency medical coverage, up to $250,000 for international trips, and a high limit of $500,000 for medical evacuation. The company also allows for policy customization with unique add-ons, including pet care coverage and a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option.

    The product offers excellent value and affordability. The pricing is genuinely competitive, often on the lower end of the average travel insurance cost, and its quote process is quick and transparent, providing precise numbers upfront with no hidden fees. Instead of confusing customers with multiple tiers, Faye offers a simplified single comprehensive plan that can be tailored with add-ons, making the decision process easier for most travelers. Additionally, families traveling together benefit from better per-person rates, and children under 18 often receive reduced rates.

    Faye's mobile-first approach is arguably its greatest differentiator, boasting a high 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot. The app is packed with features that genuinely enhance the travel experience, such as real-time flight tracking with notifications, in-app claims filing, 24/7 live chat support with real humans, and access to a network of telemedicine doctors. The company is also noted for its innovative Digital Wallet system for quick reimbursements, which eliminates long waits for checks, and has received praise for proactive communication with some users, even suggesting they file claims for eligible expenses they may not have considered.

    Faye Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Outstanding mobile app with features that genuinely enhance the travel experience
    • Competitive pricing with clear, upfront costs
    • Strong financial backing with A+ rated underwriters
    • Fast claims processing for straightforward situations
    • Comprehensive base coverage with useful add-ons like pet care
    • 24/7 customer support with multiple contact methods
    • Simplified single-plan approach makes decisions easier
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    Get quotes on Faye's website.

    Travel Insured International Travel Insurance

    Best for Customizable Coverage
    Editor's Rating
    8.1
    Good for Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

    Travel Insured International is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize financial stability and comprehensive medical protection. The company's parent, Fairfax Financial Holding, maintains a consistent A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, signifying robust financial backing and a strong ability to pay out claims. The insurance coverage is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, offering a double layer of financial security. For a product that has stood for over 30 years and is part of a larger corporate family managing billions in assets, you gain peace of mind knowing the company has the financial muscle to meet its ongoing obligations.

    Furthermore, the product's medical and evacuation coverage limits are among the highest in the industry, making it ideal for international trips or remote destinations. The premium Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan offers up to $500,000 for emergency medical issues and up to a remarkable $1 million for emergency evacuation and repatriation. Crucially, the medical coverage on both the Deluxe and Platinum plans is primary, meaning you can file a claim directly with Travel Insured International without the hassle of navigating your primary health insurance first. This level of protection and streamlined process for serious medical issues provides genuine value.

    Finally, Travel Insured International offers unparalleled flexibility through its three-tier plan structure (Essential, Deluxe, Platinum) and extensive add-on bundles. This à la carte approach allows you to tailor your policy exactly to your needs, whether that means adding Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, a Pet Bundle for pet-related expenses, or an upgrade for extreme sports medical protection. This customization ensures you are not paying for unnecessary coverage and can build a comprehensive policy that is a perfect fit for your unique trip, including strong options for pre-existing conditions when purchased within the required timeframe.

    Travel Insured Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Solid financial strength with an A-rated parent company
    • Highly customizable coverage with a three-tier structure and multiple add-on bundles
    • Industry-leading medical evacuation coverage (up to $1 million on Platinum plan)
    • Primary medical coverage on Deluxe and Platinum plans
    • Strong coverage for pre-existing conditions when purchased within a time-sensitive window
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    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

    Best for Claim Processing Experience
    Editor's Rating
    9.0
    Good for Complete Policies

    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) is an exceptionally strong choice for travelers who prioritize financial security and industry-leading claims efficiency. Backed by the financial power of Warren Buffett’s empire (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company) and sporting the highest possible AM Best rating of A++ (Superior), the company offers unmatched credibility and peace of mind that claims will be paid. Furthermore, BHTP has made their claims process their central promise, with a motto of "Claims is Our Product." They consistently deliver, boasting payments up to five times faster than the industry average, often utilizing same-day electronic payments through their BHTP Burst system, and simplifying the process with "pic-and-click" mobile filing.

    A second compelling reason to choose BHTP is its innovative approach to benefits and overall value, particularly for families and specific travel styles. Their ExactCare plans offer a popular "Kids Covered Free" feature for up to two children under 18, a benefit offered by only a handful of travel insurers. For those seeking niche coverage, the company provides specialized plans like AdrenalineCare for high-risk adventure sports and WaveCare for cruisers. Additionally, BHTP offers fixed benefit payouts for certain covered events (like a $500 payout for lost luggage), which eliminates the typical hassle of haggling over receipts and provides quick, predictable reimbursement.

    Finally, the company's commitment to customer experience extends beyond payment speed to include unique, complimentary services. Every policy includes a 24/7/365 Emergency Assistance line and complimentary concierge services, which can assist with everything from restaurant reservations and securing event tickets to finding a local doctor or interpreter, all at no extra cost. While their entry-level medical limits are a weakness for extended international travel, BHTP's overall affordability, the availability of pre-existing conditions coverage (if purchased early), and the "15-Day Free Look" money-back guarantee make it a solid, value-driven option for domestic or short-haul international trips where fast, secure claims processing is the top priority.

    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Industry-leading claims speed.
    • Exceptional financial backing (A++).
    • Budget-friendly pricing.
    • Kids are covered free on select plans.
    • Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling).
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Battleface Travel Insurance

    Best for Adventure Travelers
    Editor's Rating
    8.8
    Good for A La Carte Pricing

    The primary reason to choose Battleface is its exceptional blend of affordability and granular customization, centered around its flagship Discovery Plan. Unlike bundled competitors, Battleface offers a truly "build-your-own" policy, allowing travelers to pay only for the coverage they need, which consistently results in budget-friendly pricing below industry averages. This modularity makes it ideal for the savvy, budget-conscious traveler who can tailor a policy to their exact risk profile, often achieving 15-30% savings compared to comparable comprehensive plans.

    A major draw for a specific segment of the market is Battleface’s explicit focus on the adventure traveler. All plans automatically include Adventure Sports Coverage for activities like skiing, scuba diving, and mountain climbing, which is often a costly add-on with other providers. Furthermore, the company offers a robust set of core protections, including high limits for Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation, a notably short three-hour delay trigger for Missed Connection coverage, and the option to add Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), providing significant flexibility for diverse and unpredictable trips.

    Finally, Battleface is a modern, tech-forward insurtech with solid financial reassurance. It offers a user-friendly digital experience, a functional mobile app for accessing policy documents offline, and provides 24/7 emergency assistance through its in-house operations team, Robin Assist. While the company itself is young, its U.S. policies are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, which holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best. This backing provides financial stability and solid reassurance that legitimate claims will be paid.

    Battleface Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Fully customizable coverage lets you pay only for what you need.
    • Consistently affordable pricing below industry averages.
    • Adventure sports coverage is included automatically.
    • Strong customer service ratings with personalized support.
    • User-friendly digital experience with a mobile app.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Travelex Travel Insurance

    Best for Families
    Editor's Rating
    8.6
    Good for Traveling with Children

    Travelex's primary appeal lies in its strong financial backing and competitive, family-friendly pricing. The company's policies are underwritten by financially robust carriers, including Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance Group, both holding high A++ and A+ (Superior) ratings from A.M. Best. This dual backing provides a strong reassurance that claims will be paid. Furthermore, their pricing is competitive, with the Ultimate and Essential plans averaging below the industry standard. For families, the Ultimate plan offers a significant perk: complimentary coverage for one child (17 and under) per insured adult, which can lead to genuine cost savings.

    A key differentiator for Travelex is its generous policies and flexible coverage options. It offers a 21-day "Free Look Period," which is more generous than most competitors' 10-14 day windows, allowing ample time to review, modify, or cancel a policy without penalty. The Ultimate plan also accommodates longer trips, covering up to 180 days. Travelers can customize their plans with optional upgrades, such as Adventure Sports Coverage, rental car damage, and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) on the Ultimate plan, enabling a modular approach to coverage.

    The company is consistently praised for its excellent pre-trip customer service and user-friendly digital experience. Reviewers often highlight patient, knowledgeable representatives who are helpful in explaining coverage options and guiding the purchase process. The website makes getting an instant quote and reviewing exact coverage limits a straightforward process. However, while the pre-trip experience is strong, the review notes a key area of weakness in the inconsistent and sometimes frustrating claims process handled by Zurich Travel Claims Administration, which is an important consideration despite the company's other advantages.

    Travelex Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Backed by financially strong underwriters with A++ and A+ (Superior) A.M. Best ratings, ensuring claims-paying ability.
    • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the Ultimate plan (one child per adult) significantly reduces family travel insurance costs.
    • Competitive pricing with average premiums below industry average ($292 for Ultimate, $240 for Essential vs. $311 industry average).
    • Generous 21-day Free Look Period allows ample time to review and modify or cancel policy without penalty.
    • Excellent pre-trip customer service with knowledgeable, patient representatives and a user-friendly website.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    HTH Travel Insurance

    Best for Extended Stays and Remote Locations
    Editor's Rating
    8.6
    Good for All Ages

    HTH Travel Insurance's primary appeal lies in its exceptional focus on medical coverage and robust financial backing. Their TripProtector Preferred plan offers industry-leading medical coverage limits up to $500,000, which is significantly higher than most competitors. This coverage is considered "primary," meaning travelers do not need to file with their domestic insurance first. Furthermore, all their policies are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, providing a high level of financial security and confidence that claims will be paid out.

    The company is distinguished by its unique and genuinely practical service features designed for travelers abroad. The Direct Pay Program is a major differentiator, allowing HTH to pay participating network providers directly, eliminating the need for the traveler to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later. This is complemented by the excellent mPassport app, which helps users find English-speaking doctors, dentists, and hospitals in over 180 countries and includes a valuable medication translation tool.

    Overall, HTH is best suited for a specific niche of travelers who prioritize health and peace of mind over budget or trip cancellation benefits. This includes long-term travelers, expats, and students studying abroad. They are also an excellent option for seniors (up to age 95) who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere. While their pricing is above average and they lack strong adventure sports coverage, the high medical limits, Direct Pay option, and the assurance of Nationwide's financial strength make it a top choice for those facing medical emergencies overseas.

    HTH Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Industry-leading medical coverage limits up to $500,000.
    • Direct Pay option eliminates upfront medical costs at network providers.
    • Specialized insurance products designed for expatriates, international students, and digital nomads staying abroad for months or even years.
    • Excellent Passport app for finding global healthcare.
    • Coverage for travelers up to 95 years old.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Aegis Travel Insurance

    Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
    Editor's Rating
    8.3
    Good for Value Seekers

    Aegis Travel Insurance (formerly GoReady) is presented as a strong, budget-conscious choice for travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, earning an overall score of 7.5/10. Key strengths include its competitive pricing, which led to it being named the "Most Economical Travel Insurance Company" by U.S. News, and its innovative "Stress Less Benefits" that handle claims in real-time to prevent the traveler from having to front the cash. The company also offers highly customizable single-trip plans (like Go Ready Choice and Go Ready VIP) and multi-trip options, with robust coverage limits and a strong financial backing from A-rated underwriters like Zurich American Insurance Company.

    However, the review points out a significant weakness in the traditional claims process, which earned a low score of 6/10. Customers frequently report slow and frustrating processing times, citing communication gaps between Aegis and its third-party claims administrators. Other drawbacks include a maximum trip length capped at 60 days for most single-trip plans and the lack of a dedicated mobile app for policy management, which is noted as a miss for a company targeting digitally-native travelers. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, coverage is only available if the policy is purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.

    In conclusion, Aegis delivers legitimate value for its price and is a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and the convenience of real-time claims assistance for in-trip issues. Travelers should choose Aegis if they seek customizable, cost-effective coverage and are planning shorter trips (under 60 days). Conversely, those planning long-term trips or who prioritize a seamless digital experience and a guaranteed fast, hassle-free claims process are advised to look elsewhere. The overall recommendation is to go in with realistic expectations about the potential for delays in reimbursement-style claims and to meticulously document all necessary paperwork.

    Aegis Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Excellent value with competitive pricing across all plan tiers.
    • Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
    • Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
    • Strong financial backing from reputable underwriters.
    • 24/7 emergency assistance with global support.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Generali Travel Insurance

    Best for Cruises & Vacation Rentals
    Editor's Rating
    8.2
    Good for Domestic Trips

    Generali Travel Insurance is an excellent choice for a specific segment of travelers, primarily those who place the highest value on financial security and stability. Backed by Assicurazioni Generali, one of the oldest and largest insurance companies in the world, with a "rock-solid" A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best, customers can be highly confident that the company will be solvent and able to pay out claims. This longevity and financial muscle are particularly appealing to travelers planning expensive vacations, cruises, or anyone whose primary concern is avoiding the risk of their insurer going bankrupt. If financial peace of mind is your top priority, Generali provides a level of certainty that few competitors can match.

    For the budget-conscious traveler, Generali offers significant value, often coming in below the industry average in terms of cost, particularly with its Standard plan. The company's three-tier plan structure (Standard, Preferred, and Premium) is refreshingly simple, making it easy for customers to compare options and choose a policy without confusing add-ons. This straightforward approach, combined with competitive pricing, makes Generali ideal for domestic trips, weekend getaways, and vacation rental bookings. It provides reliable, basic protection, including 100% trip cancellation and medical coverage, without the bells and whistles that drive up the price for travelers who don't need them.

    Finally, Generali sets itself apart with unique, complimentary features and specialized coverage that cater to specific needs. All plans include access to 24/7/365 emergency assistance, complimentary concierge services for travel logistics, and identity theft protection, adding significant value beyond the core insurance policy. Furthermore, they offer coverage for several niche scenarios that other providers may exclude, such as trip cancellation if a service animal becomes sick or dies, or if a traveler is unable to get a required vaccination. This specialized coverage makes Generali a superior choice for travelers with service animals or those who value having a comprehensive suite of included travel support services.

    Generali Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Exceptional financial stability backed by one of the world's largest insurers (A+ AM Best).
    • Competitive pricing that often beats industry averages.
    • A simple three-tier plan structure makes comparison easy.
    • 24/7/365 emergency assistance hotline.
    • Complimentary concierge services and identity theft protection.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Wildfires: The Risk That Defines California Travel

    Let’s be direct: wildfires are California’s version of Florida’s hurricanes. They’re a semi-predictable natural disaster that can affect both your ability to leave on a trip and your ability to return home. The January 2025 Los Angeles fires were a stark reminder of this reality, with over $7.6 billion in projected insurance claims from State Farm alone.

    Here’s how travel insurance handles wildfires, and it’s similar to hurricane coverage in one critical way: timing is everything. Travel insurance only covers wildfires that are “unforeseen events.” If you purchase a policy after a fire has already started and been reported, claims related to that specific fire will likely be denied.

    What Wildfire Coverage Actually Covers

    Most comprehensive travel insurance policies will provide coverage under trip cancellation, trip interruption, or travel delay benefits when wildfires directly impact your travel. Covered scenarios typically include mandatory evacuation orders issued by local authorities at your destination, accommodations rendered uninhabitable due to fire damage, flight cancellations or significant delays caused by smoke or visibility issues, and your primary residence being rendered uninhabitable (forcing you to cancel or cut short a trip). Some policies may also cover situations where a NOAA wildfire warning is issued for your destination, though this varies by provider.

    What Standard Policies DON’T Cover:

    Fear or anxiety about potential wildfires is NOT a covered reason. Poor air quality or smoke alone (without evacuation orders) is typically NOT covered. Deciding not to travel because fires are burning somewhere in California is NOT covered. The beaches being closed or attractions being affected (without evacuation) are NOT covered. If you want the flexibility to cancel for these reasons, you need Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

    The good news for California residents: unlike New York, California doesn’t have significant restrictions on CFAR availability. Most major providers offer CFAR to California residents, giving you the option to cancel for any reason (including wildfire concerns) and receive 50-75% reimbursement of your nonrefundable costs. The catch is you must purchase CFAR within 14-21 days of your initial trip payment, so you can’t add it after fires start making news.

    The Home Coverage Angle

    Here’s something many California travelers don’t realize: travel insurance can protect you if a wildfire damages your home while you’re traveling. If your primary residence becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, that’s typically a covered reason for trip interruption, meaning you can be reimbursed for the cost of returning home early, even if you forfeit the unused portion of your trip. This works both ways, making travel insurance particularly valuable for Californians.

    Crossing into Mexico: Insurance Requirements You Cannot Ignore.

    The San Ysidro-Tijuana border crossing is the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere, with approximately 50 million crossings annually. If you’re a Southern California resident, there’s a good chance you’ve driven into Mexico or are planning to. And if you’re driving, there are absolutely non-negotiable insurance requirements.

    Critical: Your US Auto Insurance Does NOT Work in Mexico

    Mexican law requires auto liability insurance from a Mexican-licensed insurance company. Mexican authorities do not recognize your US policy. Some US insurers offer limited extensions (typically 25 miles from the border, 10 days maximum), but these do NOT satisfy Mexican legal requirements. If you’re in an accident in Mexico without proper Mexican insurance, you could face detention, vehicle impoundment, and personal financial liability. This is not optional.

    You can purchase Mexican auto insurance online before your trip (companies like Baja Bound, MexBorder, and others specialize in this) or from insurance offices near the border. Online is typically cheaper and gives you time to review coverage options. Costs vary based on vehicle age, trip length, and coverage level, but expect to pay around $20-25 per day for basic liability coverage, with complete coverage options available.

    Beyond Auto: Travel Medical for Mexico

    While Mexican auto insurance is required by law, you should also consider your medical coverage. Most US health insurance plans provide limited or no coverage in Mexico. If you’re planning anything beyond a quick day trip to Tijuana, a travel medical policy can protect you from potentially significant medical expenses. This is especially important if you’re heading further into Baja or the mainland.

    LAX: Your Gateway to the Pacific

    Los Angeles International Airport handled over 76.5 million passengers in 2024, making it the second-busiest US airport for international traffic (behind only JFK). But unlike JFK, which primarily serves Europe and the Atlantic, LAX is the dominant gateway to the Pacific Rim. Nearly 24 million international passengers passed through LAX in 2024, with strong connections to Asia, Australia, Mexico, and Central America.

    The top international routes from LAX tell the story: London Heathrow leads with 1.62 million passengers, followed by Seoul Incheon (1.17 million), Guadalajara (1.12 million), Taipei, and Tokyo. If you’re a California resident, you have direct access to destinations that would require connections from most other US cities.

    What Pacific Rim Travelers Need

    Coverage Type

    Why It Matters for Asia/Pacific Travel

    Emergency Medical ($100K+)

    Healthcare costs vary dramatically across Asia. Japan and Australia are expensive. Southeast Asia is cheaper, but quality varies. Your US health insurance likely provides minimal international coverage.

    Medical Evacuation ($250K-500K+)

    The Pacific is vast. Medical evacuation from remote locations in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, or even parts of Australia can cost $100,000 or more. Trans-Pacific evacuations are among the most expensive in the world.

    Trip Interruption (150%+)

    A last-minute one-way flight from Tokyo or Sydney back to LA can easily cost $2,000-4,000 or more. Look for policies that cover 150% of your trip cost to account for emergency return flights.

    Travel Delay Coverage

    Trans-Pacific flights are long-haul operations. When they’re cancelled or significantly delayed, rebooking options are limited. Look for coverage with a 6-hour trigger (not a 12-hour one) and at least $200/day in expense coverage.

    24/7 Assistance Services

    Time zones matter. When it’s 2 PM in LA, it’s 7 AM the next day in Tokyo. Make sure your policy includes 24/7 assistance for medical referrals, translation, and emergency coordination across time zones.

    Adventure Travel: From Tahoe to Yosemite

    California offers extraordinary adventure opportunities without ever leaving the state. Skiing in Lake Tahoe, hiking in Yosemite, surfing along the coast, mountain biking in Marin, and rock climbing in Joshua Tree. If you’re into outdoor activities, your travel insurance needs may differ from those of the average traveler.

    Standard travel insurance policies often exclude “hazardous activities” or “extreme sports.” Before you book that backcountry skiing trip or plan to summit a peak, check whether your activities are covered. Many policies exclude skiing outside designated boundaries, climbing above specified elevations, or activities that require specialized equipment. Some providers offer adventure sports add-ons or have policies specifically designed for active travelers.

    For domestic adventure travel within California, trip cancellation and medical coverage considerations differ. Your existing health insurance covers you anywhere in the US, so you’re mainly looking at trip cancellation protection for non-refundable bookings. But if you’re doing something outside your policy’s covered activities, a medical incident could still leave you with gaps in coverage.

    Practical Shopping Tips for California Residents

    1. Buy early, even outside fire season. While wildfire season has traditionally peaked in late summer and fall, California now faces year-round fire risk. The January 2025 LA fires demonstrated that winter is no longer “safe.” Purchase insurance as soon as you book any trip.
    2. Consider CFAR for wildfire flexibility. Unlike some states, California residents have good access to CFAR coverage. If you want the option to cancel because you’re concerned about smoke, air quality, or developing fire conditions (even without evacuation orders), CFAR is the only way to get partial reimbursement.
    3. Get Mexican auto insurance before you drive south. This is non-negotiable. Purchase it online before your trip for better rates and proper review time. Don’t rely on your US policy’s border extensions.
    4. Prioritize medical evacuation for trans-Pacific trips. The distances involved in Asia-Pacific travel make evacuation coverage essential. Look for at least $250,000, preferably $500,000 or more, especially for remote destinations.
    5. Check activity exclusions for adventure travel. If you’re skiing, climbing, surfing, or doing anything outside typical tourism activities, verify that your policy covers them. Look for adventure sports riders or specialized policies if needed.
    6. Remember, coverage works both ways. Your travel insurance can protect you if a wildfire damages your California home while you’re traveling. This bidirectional coverage is particularly valuable for California residents.
    7. Know your state’s consumer protections. California has strong insurance consumer protections. If you have issues with a travel insurance claim, the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline is 1-800-927-4357. The state also has moratorium protections for homeowners’ insurance after declared fire emergencies.

    The Bottom Line for California Travelers

    Living in California means living with wildfire risk, proximity to Mexico, and unparalleled access to the Pacific Rim. Your travel insurance needs reflect these realities.

    The most important takeaways: buy early (fires can happen any month), understand that wildfire coverage has fundamental limitations (fear and poor air quality aren’t enough), and don’t even think about driving into Mexico without proper Mexican auto insurance. For international travel, leverage your position as a Pacific gateway by ensuring you have adequate medical and evacuation coverage for the long distances involved.

    California is a state built for travelers and adventurers. Whether you’re heading to Tokyo, Tijuana, or Tahoe, make sure you’re protected along the way.

    How we rated travel insurance companies

    Here are the rankings and our methodology for ranking the best travel insurance options.

    CompanyFinancial StrengthAffordabilityCustomer ServiceExperienceReputationClaims ProcessRaw ScoreCurved Score
    MedJet Assist9.57.58.578.598.4759.8
    Faye Travel Insurance987.5976.57.7759
    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance10876787.89
    Battleface Travel Insurance7.58.57.587.86.57.618.8
    Travelex Travel Insurance9878767.58.6
    HTH Travel Insurance96.577.57.577.4758.6
    Aegis Travel Insurance88.576.5767.2258.3
    Generali Travel Insurance986.566.567.18.2
    Travel Insured International96.575.5767.0258.1
    World Nomads Travel Insurance9.57.55.57.85.866.9658
    Nationwide Travel Insurance9766.56.55.56.8257.9
    John Hancock Travel Insurance8.576.56666.757.8
    IMG Travel Insurance8.56.565.56.566.6257.6
    TinLeg Travel Insurance9866.55.546.557.5
    WorldTrips Travel Insurance10757.55.546.57.5
    AXA Travel Insurance9667556.357.3
    USI Affinity Travel Insurance96546.556.157.1
    Seven Corners Travel Insurance90.756.566.55.55.93756.8
    Trawick Travel Insurance8.574.56.53.52.55.3756.2
    Travel Guard Travel Insurance8325113.33.8
    author avatar
    Michael Wagner Editor
    Driven by a lifelong mission to master his personal finances, Michael Wagner is a seasoned personal finance writer with 10 years of expertise covering retirement plans and insurance. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household, Michael became obsessed with finance upon graduating from college. His passion is rooted in sharing that hard-earned knowledge. As a former licensed insurance agent, he brings a practical, licensed perspective to his content, helping readers answer their most pressing questions and ultimately improve their financial standing.

    Important Information About Travel Insurance

    *Insurance needs vary significantly based on individual circumstances. This page provides general information and should not be considered personal insurance advice. Always read policy documents carefully and consider consulting with a licensed insurance professional for guidance on your specific situation.

    **Company information and offerings may have changed since the time of writing. Please always verify the current details before purchasing an individual policy.