How much does expedition travel insurance cost?
Expedition travel insurance typically costs 2–10% of your trip cost for trip protection, or $2–$7 per day for travel medical coverage. Your exact price depends on your age, trip cost, and coverage level.
Trip protection
2–10% of trip cost
Travel medical
$2–$7 per day
Trip protection scales with trip cost; medical scales with trip length. For most travelers these two pricing models land in a similar ballpark.
Based on nearly 2,000 quotes across major expedition insurance carriers.
Your estimated price range
Here's a quick estimate so you can shop around — adjust the details below to explore. These are estimates; your exact quote may vary.
Coverage type
Traveler age
Estimated cost per traveler
$300–$900
2–6% of trip cost
Estimates based on published rate ranges and recent quotes. Your exact quote depends on your plan, destination, and traveler details.
Two types of coverage, two pricing models
Expedition travel insurance falls into two main categories, each priced differently.
Trip protection insurance
Covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation — priced as a percentage of your total trip cost.
A $15,000 Antarctica cruise → $300–$900
A $15,000 Antarctica cruise → $600–$1,500
Includes trip cancellation, interruption, travel delay, baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is available as an add-on to eligible plans for additional cost.
Travel medical insurance
Covers emergency medical expenses and evacuation while abroad — priced per day of travel. Does not include trip cancellation.
A 21-day expedition → $42–$147
Includes emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation (up to $500,000), and 24/7 travel assistance.
Why Mass-Market insurance falls short
Allianz, faye, and other consumer travel plans aren't built for polar landings, Zodiac excursions, or remote evacuations. Here's what changes when you pick an expedition specialist.
Mass-Market consumer plan
Built for cruise lines and city breaks.
Likely denied
Helicopter evacuation from a Zodiac excursion off the Antarctic peninsula — "adventure activity" exclusion.
Expedition specialist plan
Built around your operator's required coverage.
Paid in full
Evacuation from Ushuaia to a buenos aires hospital after an onboard fall — operator-compliant medical and evacuation limits.
We size every quote against your operator's requirement sheet so the coverage matches the trip you actually booked.
How age affects your price
Age is the single biggest factor in expedition insurance pricing. Most expedition travelers are 50–70, so this matters.
Under 40
Travelers under 40 pay the lowest premiums. On a $20,000 trip, standard trip protection might run 2–4% of trip cost.
Ages 40–59
Premiums increase roughly 50% over the baseline. That same $20,000 trip moves to about 3–6% for standard coverage.
Ages 60+
Premiums roughly double. The $20,000 trip now costs about 4–8% for standard coverage. Medical evacuation risk from remote destinations drives most of this increase.
These are general ranges based on market data. Your actual quote depends on your specific age, trip details, and chosen plan.
Example pricing scenarios
Real-world examples to help you estimate your cost. All figures are approximate ranges.
These reflect recent quote ranges and refresh quarterly. Your real quote is tailored to your trip, operator, and travelers.
Antarctica — couple, mid-50s
$28,000 trip · 14 days · standard plan
$840–$1,400
At roughly 3–5% of trip cost, this covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and evacuation for two travelers.
Arctic Svalbard — solo traveler, 35
$12,000 trip · 10 days · standard plan
$240–$480
Younger travelers pay less. At 2–4% of trip cost, this is a straightforward standard plan for a shorter expedition.
Safari — family of 4, ages 45–68
$48,000 total trip · 18 days · standard plan
$2,400–$3,850
The older travelers in the group pay more per person. The 68-year-old's premium is roughly double the 45-year-old's, pushing the total to about 5–8% of trip cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for Antarctica travel insurance?
Does age affect expedition insurance pricing?
Is expedition travel insurance more expensive than regular travel insurance?
What's the difference between travel medical and trip protection insurance?
What percentage of trip cost goes to expedition insurance?
When should I buy expedition insurance to get the best coverage?
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