Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance Reviews
Safe Travels International Cost Saver is Trawick International's budget excess travel medical insurance plan for non-US citizens traveling outside their home country to destinations other than the United States. It offers coverage up to $1,000,000, eight deductible options, and a limited pre-existing condition benefit - making it one of the more frequently searched cheap Trawick International reviews among budget-conscious global travelers.
Trusted by thousands of American travelers every year
Safe Travels International is underwritten by Zurich Insurance Europe AG, Belgian branch - an A-rated insurer recognized for financial strength and a strong record of paying claims.
What Is Safe Travels International Cost Saver Travel Insurance?
Safe Travels International Cost Saver provides budget-friendly excess travel medical insurance for non-US citizens traveling outside their home country - for example, a South African citizen backpacking through Southeast Asia, or a Mexican citizen visiting relatives in Europe. Like its sister plan, it is not valid for travel to, from, or within the United States; travelers heading to the USA need Safe Travels USA instead.
Trawick International classifies Cost Saver as an excess (secondary) medical plan: it's designed to pay eligible medical expenses after any other applicable insurance a traveler holds has paid its share, which is a large part of why premiums run lower than the standard Safe Travels International plan. Coverage runs up to $1,000,000, and once the deductible is satisfied, eligible in-network expenses are paid at 80% co-insurance for the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum - a step-down structure that differs from the flat 100% co-insurance on the standard plan.
After buying the plan, travelers can access all plan documents and their ID card through the Safe Travels International Cost Saver client login. At American Visitor Insurance, licensed agents are available to help with plan details, quotes, or claims questions.
Trawick Safe Travels Insurance Reviews
"It was a pleasant experience. The representative, I believe it was Rusty, had the patience to deal with me. Thank You."
"It was very easy to get a quote online and when I asked a question in the Live Chat I received a prompt response."
"It was very helpful to speak to someone about our policy choices. Your website is relatively easy to use and to navigate to find the information."
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship
Non-US citizens/residents traveling outside their home country to any destination other than the USA.
Age Requirements
Travelers ages 14 days to 89 years. Not available to anyone age 90 or above.
Coverage Duration
Minimum 5 days, maximum 364 days, renewable online up to 364 days total.
Cancellation Policy
Not available if you've resided outside your home country more than 365 days prior to the effective date.
Who May Not Need This Plan?
Who Should Buy Safe Travels International Cost Saver?
- check_circle Routine medical checkups, preventive care beyond plan limits, or elective procedures.
- check_circle Non-US citizens who already have some primary coverage and want an affordable excess/secondary travel medical plan to fill gaps outside their home country (excluding the USA).
- check_circle Budget-conscious international travelers - who want essential medical benefits - hospitalization, physician visits, prescriptions, evacuation - without paying for the higher co-insurance ceiling of the standard plan.
- check_circle Travelers who don't need COVID-19-specific medical coverage, since this plan explicitly excludes COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 claims.
- check_circle Travelers with a stable, managed health condition - who want at least some protection if it unexpectedly flares up (up to age 69)
Safe Travels International Cost Saver Key Benefits
One of the more competitively priced excess/secondary international travel medical plans available to non-US citizens, with premiums starting around $25/month.
Eligible in-network expenses are paid at 100% up to the policy maximum after the deductible.
Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition covered up to $2,500 for travelers up to age 69; cardiac/stroke covered separately up to $25,000 (under 69) or $15,000 (70+).
Access to in-network doctors and hospitals through First Health International, generally lowering out-of-pocket coinsurance costs.
Evacuation and repatriation benefits are covered at 100% up to $2 million an essential safety net if you need transport to a better-equipped facility abroad.
Wellness benefit up to $125 for one preventive doctor visit per policy period - uncommon on budget excess plans.
Pros & Cons of Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance
Advantages
7 benefitsLower premiums than the standard plan - from about $25/month
Comprehensive-style benefits up to the full policy maximum
Coverage up to $1,000,000, matching the standard plan's ceiling
Wide First Health PPO provider network
Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition up to $2,500 (under 69)
Trip interruption ($7,500), emergency reunion, lost baggage, and AD&D included
Optional AD&D upgrade and Evacuation Plus riders available
Disadvantages
7 limitsNo coverage for trips to, from, or within the United States
Does not cover COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2
80%/100% co-insurance step vs. the standard plan's flat 100%
Pre-existing condition benefit ends at age 70
Not available if outside home country more than 365 days
Not available to travelers age 90 or above
No optional Sports Activity rider
How Much Does Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance Cost?
The cost of Safe Travels International Cost Saver ranges from roughly $25 to $507 per month, depending on the traveler's age, selected plan maximum, and deductible.
The table shows sample monthly rates based on a $250 deductible. Choosing a higher deductible results in lower premiums, while a lower deductible increases the premium.
Ages 80-99: $50,000
Deductible: $250
| Age of traveler | $50,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 - 21 years | $25 | $32 | $33 | $35 | $38 |
| 22 – 29 years | $38 | $42 | $47 | $52 | $59 |
| 30 – 39 years | $44 | $52 | $60 | $69 | $80 |
| 40 - 49 years | $76 | $85 | $89 | $96 | $127 |
| 50 - 59 years | $132 | $151 | $156 | $162 | $170 |
| 60 - 64 years | $165 | $198 | $206 | $217 | $244 |
| 65 - 69 years | $192 | $211 | $215 | $222 | $253 |
| 70 - 79 years | $319 | $408 | Not available for this age group | ||
| 80 - 99 years | $507 $50,000 maximum coverage, $250 deductible | ||||
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026 travel season.
Excess vs. Primary Coverage - What Does That Mean for Cost Saver?
A term that trips up a lot of shoppers comparing cheap international travel insurance: "excess" (secondary) coverage versus primary coverage. With a primary plan like the standard Safe Travels International, the insurer pays your eligible claim directly. With an excess plan like Cost Saver, the insurer generally pays after any other applicable insurance you hold - such as a domestic health plan, a group policy, or another travel plan - has paid its share, which is one reason the premium is lower. If you have no other applicable coverage at all, Cost Saver effectively becomes your primary payer for that claim. Confirm this distinction with a licensed agent before purchase if you're relying on Cost Saver as your only protection.
Working Example of Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance
Suppose a 55-year-old visitor from India to the USA trips and breaks their leg. They chose the $50,000 plan with $0 deductible. Here's what happens:
| Service | Hospital bills | Plan pays | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible Paid once per policy period | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Hospital room (3 nights) $3,000/day × 3 | $9,000 | $9,000 | $0 |
| Surgery | $15,000 | $15,000 | $0 |
| Diagnostics & X-rays | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 |
| Total | $25,100 | $25,000 | $100 |
Disclaimer: We have done everything to the best of our ability to make the insurance information up-to-date and accurate. However, this information does change periodically and we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy.
Deductible paid once
The $100 deductible applies once per policy period - not per visit or per service.
100% co-insurance in-network
Pays 80% co-insurance on the first $5,000 of eligible expenses, then 100% up to the policy maximum
PPO reduces gap
FirstHealth PPO providers offer negotiated rates, helping lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Compare Safe Travels International Cost Saver vs. Atlas International vs. Patriot International Lite
Safe Travels International competes with two other widely used Schengen-compliant plans: WorldTrips' Atlas International and IMG's Patriot International Lite. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Safe Travels International Cost Saver | Atlas International | Patriot International Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | Zurich Insurance Europe AG | Tokio Marine HCC Group | SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corp |
| AM Best Rating | A | A++ (Superior) - Parent Company | A- (Excellent) |
| Policy Maximum | $50,000 – $1,000,000 | Up to $2,000,000 | $50,000 – $1,000,000 (Age 80+: $10,000 only) |
| Co-insurance | 80% / 100% | Waives co-insurance within network | 100% after deductible |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Unexpected Recurrence, $2,500, up to age 69 | Acute Onset, up to age 79 | Acute Onset, under age 70 |
| COVID-19 Coverage | Not Available | Covered as any other illness | Covered as any other illness |
| Renewability | Up to 364 days | Up to 364 days | Up to 24 months |
| Starting Price | From ~$25/month | From ~$26–27/month | From ~$28/month |
| Schengen Compliant | Not Available | Yes | Yes, instant visa letter |
| Explore Plan | View Plan » | View Plan » | View Plan » |
| Get Started | shopping_cart Buy Now | shopping_cart Buy Now | shopping_cart Buy Now |
- Choose Cost Saver: if premium is your top priority and you already have some primary coverage, or you're fine with the 80/100 co-insurance step and don't need COVID-19 coverage.
- Choose Atlas International: if maximizing your medical ceiling matters most.
- Choose Patriot International Lite: if you want the longest renewability (up to 24 months), making it a common pick for expats and digital nomads.
Optional Add-On Benefits
| Coverage Amount | Additional Cost | Age Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | +$0.25/person/day | All ages |
| $100,000 | +$0.50/person/day | Ages 19–79 |
| $250,000 | +$1.75/person/day | Ages 19–69 |
| $500,000 | +$4.00/person/day | Ages 19–69 |
Available up to age 65; adds up to $25,000 non-life-threatening medical evacuation and up to $5,000 natural disaster evacuation. Minimum 3-month purchase required.
Chaperone/Faculty Leader Replacement RiderFor group plans; reimburses up to $3,000 for a replacement chaperone's round-trip economy airfare.
Safe Travels International Cost Saver PPO Network - How It Works
If your insurance ID card displays the First Health logo, you can find in-network doctors and hospitals using the link below.
You can find a provider in the USA by using the following link
- In-Network PPO Care: Staying in-network generally lowers your coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs.
- Pharmacies are Out-of-Network: All pharmacy claims are treated as out-of-network; the applicable deductible will apply.
- Dental Providers are Out-of-Network: All dental providers are considered out-of-network for this plan.
How Do I File a Claim With Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance?
To file a claim with Safe Travels International Cost Saver Insurance, follow these steps: