IMG vs Travelex: Which is Better?

You’re comparing IMG and Travelex policies and wondering which one will actually be there when you need them most.

After years of helping clients navigate travel insurance claims and personally dealing with both companies, I can tell you these two take very different approaches to coverage and customer service.

This comprehensive comparison breaks down the real differences between IMG and Travelex, so you can choose the right protection for your travel style and budget.

About the Company

IMG (International Medical Group) has been specializing in international health and travel insurance since 1990.

They operate as both an insurer and third-party administrator, with underwriting handled by Sirius International and other A-rated carriers.

IMG focuses heavily on international travelers, expats, and adventure seekers with robust global networks.

Travelex Insurance Services partners with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection to underwrite their policies.

Founded in 2000, Travelex operates primarily as a managing general agent, selling policies through travel agents and directly to consumers.

They position themselves as a mid-market option with competitive pricing and solid customer service.

Plan Overview

IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel SE offers comprehensive coverage with strong medical benefits and evacuation protection.

Their plans emphasize international medical coverage and adventure sports inclusion.

Best suited for international travelers, digital nomads, and those planning extended trips with potential adventure activities.

Travelex’s Travel Basic and Travel Max provide tiered coverage options from budget-friendly basic protection to comprehensive max coverage.

Their Travel Max includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and generous trip interruption benefits.

Ideal for domestic and international leisure travelers seeking predictable coverage with good value pricing.

Coverage Details

Here’s where the fundamental differences between these companies become clear.

IMG iTravelInsured Coverage:

• Emergency medical: Up to $50,000-$1,000,000 (plan dependent)
• Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
• Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
• Adventure sports and hazardous activities included
• Mental health coverage and crisis counseling
• Rental car coverage and personal liability

Travelex Coverage:

• Emergency medical: Up to $50,000-$500,000 (plan dependent)
• Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
• Trip cancellation: Up to trip cost (no specific limit)
• CFAR available on Travel Max (75% reimbursement)
• Pre-existing medical condition waivers
• Enhanced baggage protection

✅ Pro Tip: IMG’s adventure sports coverage is automatically included in most plans, while Travelex requires you to specifically declare and sometimes pay extra for activities like scuba diving or skiing. If you’re planning any adventure activities, read the fine print carefully on both policies.

Plan Highlights

IMG iTravelInsured Highlights:

• Comprehensive international medical networks
• Strong coverage for adventure and extreme sports
• Flexible policy duration up to 364 days
• Mental health and crisis counseling included
• Personal liability coverage up to $25,000
• Rental car collision damage coverage
• Coverage for travel to high-risk destinations

Travelex Highlights:

• Competitive CFAR coverage at 75% reimbursement
• No age restrictions on most plans
• Enhanced trip interruption up to 150% of trip cost
• Pre-existing condition waivers available
• Family coverage discounts
• 24/7 multilingual assistance services

Features

💡 Personal Note: I had a client break their leg skiing in Switzerland last year. IMG covered the helicopter evacuation and all medical treatment without question because adventure sports were automatically included. A similar client with Travelex had to fight for partial coverage because they hadn’t specifically declared skiing as a planned activity. These details matter when you’re filing a claim.

Exclusions and Limitations

Understanding what’s excluded prevents expensive surprises later.

IMG Exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions (limited waiver options)
• Professional sports participation
• Travel to countries under US government travel warnings
• Pregnancy-related expenses (unless complications arise)
• Mental health conditions not related to crisis events

Travelex Exclusions:

• Most adventure sports without specific declaration
• Pre-existing conditions (unless waiver purchased within 21 days)
• Business equipment and work-related items
• Elective medical procedures abroad
• High-value jewelry and electronics (limited coverage)

Both exclude alcohol or drug-related incidents and intentionally dangerous activities.

Pricing Insights

IMG typically costs 15-25% more than Travelex for comparable base coverage.

However, IMG’s adventure sports inclusion and international focus often provide better value for active travelers.

Travelex offers more budget-friendly options, with their Travel Basic plan starting around 4-6% of trip cost.

Travelex’s Travel Max with CFAR typically runs 8-12% of trip cost, while IMG’s comprehensive plans range from 7-15% depending on coverage limits.

Both companies offer competitive annual plan options for frequent travelers.

*ℹ️ Fun Fact: IMG was originally founded to serve missionaries and aid workers traveling to remote locations. That’s why their international medical networks and high-risk destination coverage remains so comprehensive compared to traditional travel insurers.

Exclusions and Limitations Deep Dive

❌ Avoid: Avoid IMG if you’re taking a simple domestic vacation and don’t need international medical networks or adventure sports coverage. You’ll pay significantly more for features you won’t use.

IMG’s strength in international coverage becomes a weakness for basic domestic travel where their higher premiums aren’t justified.

Travelex’s limitations on adventure sports make them less suitable for active international travelers who might spontaneously try new activities.

Pros and Cons

Ideal Buyer Profile

Choose IMG if: You’re planning international travel with potential adventure activities, extended trips, or travel to remote destinations.

You need robust medical coverage and don’t mind paying premium prices for comprehensive protection.

You’re a digital nomad or frequent international traveler who values specialized coverage.

Choose Travelex if: You want solid, predictable coverage at competitive prices for standard leisure travel.

You need CFAR coverage and prefer working with established, customer-service-focused companies.

You’re taking domestic trips or international travel without high-risk activities.

Alternatives to Consider

If neither option feels right, World Nomads offers similar adventure coverage to IMG but with more flexibility for changing travel plans.

Allianz Travel Guard provides middle-ground coverage with better brand recognition and extensive global assistance networks.

The bottom line comes down to your travel style and coverage priorities.

IMG excels for adventurous international travelers who need comprehensive medical coverage and adventure sports protection.

Travelex wins for standard travelers seeking good value, CFAR options, and reliable customer service.

Both companies will protect your travel investment, but IMG is purpose-built for complex international travel while Travelex focuses on straightforward, consumer-friendly coverage.

Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!