Wouldn’t it be nice if nothing ever went wrong when traveling? Flights always on time, luggage never lost, no illnesses, no emergencies—just smooth sailing from start to finish.
If only.
As a travel professional, I wish that were the case. But reality isn’t always so kind. Travel comes with risks—delays, cancellations, illness, injuries, or even unexpected emergencies back home. That’s why we carry insurance. We insure our homes, cars, health, and even our phones—so why do so many people skip travel insurance?
I get it. Insurance is boring. It’s the Ned Ryerson of the travel world (yes, that guy from Groundhog Day). But trust me—when you need it, it’s the best thing you ever bought.
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My “Poster Child for Travel Insurance” Moments
I used to think travel insurance was a waste of money… until I needed it. Three times.
Trip #1: Pre-Departure Medical Emergency
At 29, I was gearing up for a dream trip to Peru—hiking the Inca Trail, exploring the Amazon—when I landed in the hospital needing emergency surgery two weeks before departure. My U.S. health insurance covered the surgery, but my travel insurance reimbursed me for the entire trip. That meant I wasn’t out thousands of dollars and could simply reschedule my adventure.
Trip #2: Getting Sick Mid-Trip
On another trip, I got so sick that I couldn’t continue my itinerary. Travel insurance covered my medical costs, unexpected hotel stays, and even reimbursed me for the unused portion of my trip. Instead of cutting my trip short, I adjusted my plans and ended up having one of my best travel experiences—without extra financial stress.
Trip #3: Friend’s Injury Abroad
Near the end of a trip, my friend (who I insisted get insurance) got injured. Because I was considered her “travel companion,” my insurance covered me too. We had to cancel flights, stay an extra week, and deal with medical expenses—but insurance covered everything, including new business class tickets home since she couldn’t sit in economy.
Needless to say, I never travel without insurance now.
Common Myths About Travel Insurance
“I already have health insurance. Isn’t that enough?”
Not necessarily. U.S. health insurance often doesn’t cover medical expenses abroad, and even if it does, it won’t help with trip interruptions, extra lodging, or emergency evacuations. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
“My credit card has travel coverage. Do I need more?”
Credit card travel protection is better than nothing, but it’s limited. Many policies only cover the primary cardholder, require you to purchase the entire trip on that card, and have lower payout limits. It likely wouldn’t cover emergency medical evacuations, major trip disruptions, or extended stays due to an emergency.
What Travel Insurance Covers
While policies vary, most cover:
- Trip cancellations & interruptions (due to illness, injury, family emergencies, etc.)
- Medical emergencies & evacuations
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Flight delays & missed connections
- Unexpected lodging & meal expenses due to travel disruptions
- Assistance with lost travel documents or medical translation services
In today’s travel world, additional coverage includes things like pandemics, supplier financial default, and even work-related cancellations.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. The premium is based on trip cost, length, and traveler age, but it’s a fraction of what you’d pay if something goes wrong. The cost of NOT having it? Potentially thousands.
Bottom Line: Get Covered
I hope every trip goes off without a hitch. But if something unexpected happens, insurance ensures your dream trip doesn’t turn into a financial nightmare.
