GlobalInsight

2025 International Car Rental Insurance Guide: CDW, SLI, Excess, and What U.S. Drivers Must Carry Abroad Meta Description: 2025 guide to international car rental insurance for U.S. travelers. CDW, LDW, SLI, Excess rules, country requirements, and credit card coverage explained. TL;DR Summary CDW/LDW covers the rental vehicle; SLI covers liability to others; Excess determines your out-of-pocket cost. Europe, Japan, Australia, and Thailand all have different mandatory insurance rules U.S. drivers must follow. Premium travel credit cards often provide CDW but rarely offer SLI or zero-excess protection. U.S. drivers abroad must confirm: liability minimums, excess waiver options, and credit-card CDW eligibility. Average overseas rental insurance can range from $10–$45/day depending on country and coverage level. Understanding the Core Insurance Terms Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) CDW is not technically insurance but a waiver that reduces your financial responsibi...

2025 Travel Insurance Price Comparison (U.S. Travelers): Country Requirements & Risks of No Coverage TL;DR Summary In 2025, U.S. travel insurance costs typically run 4%–8% of the total trip price. Many destinations now enforce minimum medical coverage requirements for entry. Medical evacuation without insurance can cost $25,000–$250,000 depending on region. Countries such as the Schengen Area, Thailand, UAE, and Qatar have explicit coverage mandates. Lack of coverage exposes travelers to denial of entry, large medical bills, and repatriation risks. Overview: Why Travel Insurance Matters in 2025 Global travel regulations have tightened since 2023, and many countries now require proof of travel insurance at immigration checkpoints. For U.S. travelers, policies covering medical emergencies, repatriation, baggage loss, and trip interruption have become not only practical but in many cases mandatory. Accordi...