HTH Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
HTH travel insurance is best suited for long-term travelers and those who prioritize robust emergency medical benefits, offering industry-leading limits up to $500,000 and the rare Direct Pay option to eliminate upfront medical costs at participating global providers.
Overall, we rated HTH Travel insurance 8.6 out of 10, granting it a spot on our list of the best travel insurance companies.
Key Strengths
- Industry-leading medical coverage limits (up to $500,000) backed by Nationwide’s A-rated financial strength
- Direct Pay option lets you skip the upfront payment headache at participating providers worldwide.
- The mPassport app is genuinely helpful in finding English-speaking doctors in 180+ countries.
Key Weaknesses
- Pre-existing condition coverage requires purchasing within strict time windows (14-21 days from booking)
- Adventure sports coverage is basically nonexistent, even for relatively tame activities.
- Pricing runs slightly above the industry average for comparable coverage
Who is HTH Travel Insurance Best For?
Long-term travelers, expats, students studying abroad, and anyone who prioritizes strong medical coverage over trip cancellation benefits. If you’re heading to a remote location or planning an extended stay, HTH should be on your shortlist.
HTH Travel Insurance
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.
- 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.
HTH Travel Insurance Company Overview
HTH Worldwide started as Highway to Health back in 1997, which sounds more like a fitness app than an insurance company. But here we are, 25+ years later, and they’ve grown into a legitimate player in the travel insurance space. Their headquarters are in Radnor, Pennsylvania (with a claims office in King of Prussia), and they’ve built a reputation for helping travelers access quality healthcare abroad.
What sets them apart from the sea of travel insurance providers? They focus heavily on the medical side. While other companies treat medical coverage as just another checkbox, HTH built its entire identity around it. They serve over 700,000 customers annually and maintain a contracted network of physicians and hospitals worldwide.
Their policies are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, with coverage extending to 180+ countries. All TripProtector plans are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (not to be confused with Nationwide Travel Insurance), which gives them serious financial credibility. HTH holds proper licensing through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (License #800357) and maintains BBB accreditation.
HTH Travel Insurance Financial Strength & Solvency
Let’s talk money, because that’s what really matters when you’re filing a claim from a hospital bed in Barcelona. HTH’s policies are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which carries an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. For context, AM Best has been rating insurance companies since 1899, so when they say “excellent,” it actually means something.
Nationwide isn’t some obscure underwriter either. They’re one of the largest financial services companies in the U.S., with nearly a century of claims-paying history. This matters because travel insurance is only as good as the company’s ability (and willingness) actually to pay out when things go sideways. With Nationwide backing them up, you’re not gambling on whether the money will be there when you need it.
HTH itself has been in business for over 25 years without any major scandals or financial troubles. That’s a solid track record in an industry where smaller providers sometimes disappear or get acquired.
HTH Travel Insurance Coverage Options
HTH offers three main tiers of its TripProtector plan, plus specialized TravelGap medical plans for different traveler profiles.
TripProtector Economy: The budget option that covers your basics. You get 100% trip cancellation coverage, 125% trip interruption, and $75,000 in emergency medical benefits. The catch? No pre-existing condition coverage at all, and baggage delay kicks in after 24 hours instead of 12.
TripProtector Classic: The sweet spot for most travelers. Medical coverage jumps to $250,000, trip interruption bumps to 150%, and you can get pre-existing condition coverage if you purchase within 14 days of your initial deposit. Also adds natural disaster, terrorism, and supplier bankruptcy protection.
TripProtector Preferred: The premium tier with all the bells and whistles. Medical coverage increases to $500,000, trip interruption coverage increases to 200%, and the pre-existing condition window extends to 21 days. Most importantly, this is the only plan offering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which gets you 75% back if you bail for literally any reason up to 2 days before departure.
Coverage Highlights
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: 100% cancellation across all plans; interruption ranges from 125% to 200%
- Medical Coverage: $75,000 to $500,000, depending on plan tier
- Emergency Evacuation: $500,000 to $1,000,000
- Baggage Loss/Delay: Up to $2,500 for loss; $500-$750 for delays
- Travel Delay: $500 to $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay
- CFAR: Available on Preferred plan only (75% refund)
- Pet Medical Expenses: $250 on Preferred plan
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
HTH’s medical coverage limits genuinely stand out from the competition. While many providers max out around $100,000-$150,000, HTH’s Preferred plan offers $500,000 in primary medical coverage. That “primary” distinction matters too, as it means you don’t have to file with your domestic insurance first.
The flexibility picture is more mixed. You can choose between three plan tiers and select your coverage amounts, but there’s not much a la carte customization available. You can’t cherry-pick individual benefits or adjust limits on specific coverages. It’s more of a “pick your tier and go” situation.
Standard Exclusions to Watch:
- Adventure sports and extreme activities (skiing and SCUBA have limited coverage)
- Pre-existing conditions on the Economy plan
- Injuries while intoxicated
- Named storms (must purchase before the storm is named)
- Athletic competitions and organized sports
HTH Travel Insurance Affordability & Value
Here’s where HTH gets a reality check. Their pricing tends to run above the industry average, though the gap isn’t enormous. For a 25-year-old heading to France for a week, you’re looking at roughly $53 for Economy, $66 for Classic, and $89 for Preferred. Comparable plans from competitors are often 10-20% cheaper.
That said, you’re paying for genuinely higher medical coverage limits. When you do the math on cost per dollar of coverage, HTH actually looks more competitive. The question is whether you need $500,000 in medical coverage or if $100,000 would suffice for your trip.
One nice perk: HTH offers a 10% group discount for groups of 5+ people. That can make a real difference for family trips or group adventures.
Sample Pricing (25-year-old, 1 week to France):
| Plan | Price | Medical Limit |
|---|---|---|
| TripProtector Economy | ~$53 | $75,000 |
| TripProtector Classic | ~$66 | $250,000 |
| TripProtector Preferred | ~$89 | $500,000 |
HTH Travel Insurance Customer Service
HTH operates a 24/7 emergency hotline, which is table stakes for travel insurance but worth noting nonetheless. You can reach them at 888-243-2358 (toll-free) or 610-254-8771 for general inquiries. For travel assistance specifically, there’s a dedicated line at 877-865-5979.
The emergency line reportedly connects you to a real person without excessive hold times, though experiences vary. Wednesday sees the lightest call volume if you’re planning non-urgent calls.
Support Channels
- Phone: 24/7 emergency line plus standard business hours support
- Email: [email protected]
- No live chat option (a notable gap in 2025)
Customer Service Quality
Reviews on customer service quality are mixed but lean positive. Squaremouth data shows a 4.34/5 rating for pre-trip service, dropping to 3.31/5 during trips and 3.69/5 during claims. That during-trip dip is concerning, as that’s precisely when you need help most.
Some travelers report difficulty reaching the 24-hour Emergency Assistance department, which is a red flag worth considering. However, being a smaller company means claims often get processed faster than with industry giants, and agents tend to be more responsive overall.
HTH Travel Insurance Online & Digital Experience
The HTH website won’t win any design awards, but it gets the job done. The quote process is straightforward: enter your trip details, compare plan options, and check out. Policy information is reasonably straightforward, though you’ll want to read the fine print carefully (as with any insurance).
Mobile App (mPassport)
The mPassport app is actually one of HTH’s strongest selling points. It carries a 4.6/5 rating on iOS with reviews praising its simplicity and functionality. The Android experience is reportedly buggier, with some users complaining about login loops.
Key App Features:
- Find doctors, dentists, and hospitals in 180+ countries
- Request appointments with English-speaking providers
- Medication translation tool (find local equivalents)
- File claims directly through the app
- View country security profiles and health alerts
- Request Direct Pay guarantees
Digital Tools
Online claims filing is available through the CBPInsure portal, though some users initially struggle to find it (HTH’s own materials emphasize mail-in submissions). Once you locate it, the process is reasonably smooth. The medication translation and provider search tools stand out as genuinely useful features you won’t find with most competitors.
HTH Travel Insurance Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
Learn more about what users have to say about HTH.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- BBB Rating: A-
- Accredited since: Listed as accredited
- Note: Rating reduced due to failure to respond to 1 complaint
The A- rating is solid, though the note about an unresolved complaint is worth acknowledging. For a company handling hundreds of thousands of policies annually, a single missed complaint isn’t alarming, but it does suggest room for improvement in its response systems.
Squaremouth Reviews
- Overall Rating: 4.24/5 (538+ reviews)
- Negative Review Rate: 0.2% (exceptionally low)
- Policies Sold: 32,000+ through the platform
The 0.2% negative review rate is genuinely impressive. Most travel insurance providers see negative rates between 1%-5%. Positive reviews frequently mention easy quote processes, good value, and professional claims handling. Negative reviews tend to focus on pre-existing condition denials and difficulty reaching emergency assistance.
Trustpilot
Trustpilot shows a 4.2/5 rating, though with only two reviews, this isn’t statistically meaningful. One reviewer praised hassle-free reimbursements; another complained about coverage confusion. HTH’s limited presence on Trustpilot suggests they don’t actively solicit reviews there.
Forum & Social Sentiment
Travel forums like Rick Steves and TripAdvisor show generally positive sentiment. University risk management offices reportedly recommend HTH for study abroad programs, which speaks to institutional confidence. The most common praise points include reliable medical coverage and the Passport app; common concerns include claims processing time and exclusions for adventure sports.
HTH Claims Process
This is where insurance companies either earn or lose their reputation, and HTH performs reasonably well. The Direct Pay feature is the standout: if you use a provider within HTH’s network and give 24+ hours’ notice, they can pay the facility directly. No upfront costs, no reimbursement paperwork, no floating thousands on your credit card.
For traditional claims, you can file through the CBPInsure online portal (email address required), by email, fax, or mail. Required documentation varies by claim type but generally includes proof of loss, receipts, and relevant medical records. Physician statements are needed for medical-related cancellations.
Processing times reportedly run around 2-3 weeks for straightforward claims, which is faster than many larger insurers. One Squaremouth reviewer received two refund checks within three weeks of filing. However, complex claims or those involving pre-existing condition questions may take longer.
Claims Filing Options:
- Online: CBPInsure portal
- Email: Attachments to the designated claims email
- Mail: HTH Travel Insurance, P.O. Box 939057, San Diego, CA 92193-9057
- Phone: 800-348-9505 for flight/travel accident claims
HTH Unique Features & Differentiators
HTH offers a few genuinely distinctive features that set it apart from the travel insurance pack.
Direct Pay Program: This is the biggest differentiator. With most travel insurance, you pay upfront and file for reimbursement later. HTH flips this by paying participating providers directly. Arrange treatment through their network with 24 hours’ notice, and you may walk out without reaching for your wallet.
Global Provider Network: HTH maintains relationships with what they call the “top 2% of physicians” in 180 countries. Whether that stat is auditable is debatable, but their provider directory is genuinely comprehensive.
Medication Translation Tool: The mPassport app includes a database of 8,500+ brand names for 400+ compounds across 55 countries. Find out what your medication is called locally and whether it’s available.
Age Inclusivity: Coverage extends to travelers up to 95 years old on TripProtector plans. Many competitors cap out at 70-80.
Trip Interruption at 200%: The Preferred plan reimburses up to 200% of the trip cost for interruptions, helping cover the cost of expensive last-minute one-way flights home.
Group Discount: 10% off for groups of 5+ travelers on the same policy.
Pros and Cons of HTH Travel Insurance
Pros
- Industry-leading medical coverage limits up to $500,000
- Direct Pay option eliminates upfront medical costs at network providers
- Strong financial backing from Nationwide (AM Best A rating)
- Excellent Passport app for finding global healthcare
- Coverage for travelers up to 95 years old
Cons
- Pricing runs above the industry average
- Minimal adventure sports coverage
- Pre-existing condition coverage requires strict timing (14-21 days)
- Limited plan customization options
- Some reports of difficulty reaching emergency assistance
Our Verdict & Overall Score for HTH Travel Insurance
HTH Travel Insurance occupies a specific niche in the market: travelers who prioritize medical coverage above all else. If you’re heading somewhere with questionable healthcare infrastructure, planning an extended stay abroad, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with $500,000 in medical coverage, HTH delivers.
The Direct Pay feature is genuinely helpful and relatively rare in the industry. The mPassport app adds practical value beyond gimmicky features. And the Nationwide backing provides financial security you can actually rely on.
However, if you’re primarily concerned with trip cancellation protection, want flexibility to customize your coverage, or plan on doing anything remotely adventurous, you might find better fits elsewhere. The premium pricing also stings when cheaper alternatives exist.
HTH is Best For:
- Long-term travelers and expats
- Students studying abroad
- Travelers concerned about medical emergencies overseas
- Seniors (up to 95) who may be turned down elsewhere
- Anyone who wants to avoid upfront medical payments abroad
Look Elsewhere If:
- You’re planning adventure activities (consider World Nomads)
- Budget is your primary concern (consider Travelex)
- You want highly customizable coverage
- You’re taking a simple domestic trip
About Our Methodology
We use a weighted scoring system for travel insurance reviews. We compared 20 companies on key factors, including their travel insurance rates, to inform our ratings. Once we scored each company, we applied a curve based on the best overall product. Here’s what we look for:
- Financial Strength & Solvency: 20%
- Affordability & Value: 15%
- Customer Service: 20%
- Online & Digital Experience: 10%
- Customer Satisfaction & Reputation: 20%
- Claims Process: 15%
How HTH Scored
- Financial Strength: 9/10
- Affordability: 6.5/10
- Customer Service: 7/10
- Online Experience: 7/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 7/10
- Claims Process: 7/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
