Travelers Overpaying for Insurance in Booking Path, IMG Study Finds

INDIANAPOLIS (July 24, 2025) – IMG (International Medical Group), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, has conducted an in-depth study analyzing travel insurance plans offered by major U.S. airlines and cruise lines during checkout and compared them to IMG plans. The study’s results show that IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice plan typically costs less, offers more robust medical coverage, and provides higher emergency evacuation limits when compared to plans offered through major U.S. travel carriers.

“The overall goal of this study is to educate and empower travelers to make more informed decisions when purchasing travel insurance for their trips,” said Justin Poehler, IMG Chief Commercial Officer. “The study’s results show that travelers could save up to 56% and receive more benefits by purchasing iTravelInsured Choice compared to adding on travel insurance when purchasing flights or booking a cruise directly through a major U.S. travel carrier’s website.”

The study also found that every major U.S. airline and cruise line add-on insurance plan reviewed in the study provides secondary medical coverage only (and some add-on plans offering no medical coverage at all). In comparison, iTravelInsured Choice provides primary medical coverage, allowing travelers to file a claim, regardless of other insurance coverage they may have, and IMG will be the first to pay out eligible medical expenses.

In a recent customer survey, 47% of IMG customers reported they have previously purchased add-on insurance through an airline or cruise line while booking a flight or cruise. In the same survey, customers ranked primary medical coverage as the top reason they would consider iTravelInsured Choice instead of an add-on plan offered by an airline or cruise line.

“It’s important for travelers to keep in mind that, if they decline to purchase an add-on travel insurance plan through an airline or cruise line, they can still purchase travel insurance through another provider like IMG. Travelers should not feel pressured to select the only option available during the checkout process for an airline ticket or cruise package, as it may not be the best option for them and their travel needs,” said Grant Hayes, IMG Director of International Sales – Travel.

This research was conducted by comparing add-on travel insurance plans offered by four of the five largest U.S. airlines (Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines) and three of the largest U.S. cruise lines (Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line). For each travel insurance plan, plan documents were reviewed to compare schedules of benefits, maximum limits, covered perils, and plan exclusions.

To download the full report of the study comparing iTravelInsured Choice to add-on plans offered through major U.S. airlines and cruise lines, please visit https://www.imglobal.com/blog/article/choosing-the-best-travel-insurance.

To learn more about IMG's award-winning travel and health safety solutions, please visit www.imglobal.com.

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About IMG® (International Medical Group®)
IMG® (International Medical Group®), a SiriusPoint company, is an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. The preeminent provider of travel and health safety solutions, IMG offers a wide range of insurance programs, including international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as enterprise services, including insurance administrative services and 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. IMG’s world-class services, combined with an extensive product portfolio, provide Global Peace of Mind® for travelers, students, missionaries, marine crews, and other individuals or groups traveling, working, or living away from home. For more information, please visit  www.imglobal.com.

Media Contact: Carly Kessler, IMG Communications Manager, carly.kessler@imglobal.com