Should You Book Travel Insurance? A Quick Guide from a Travel Pro
If you’ve ever planned a trip and stared at the travel insurance option with uncertainty, you’re not alone. As a travel advisor, I’ve had countless clients ask, “Do I really need travel insurance?” The short answer? Often, yes. But like everything in travel, it depends on your trip, your budget, and your risk tolerance.
Let’s break it down in plain language so you can decide for yourself, with some real-world tips from someone who’s seen just about every kind of travel mishap.
What Is Travel Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Travel insurance is a policy you purchase that can reimburse you for unexpected events before or during your trip. It’s like a safety net that covers things like:
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Medical emergencies abroad
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Travel delays due to weather or strikes
- Emergency evacuation
- Accidental death or dismemberment
There are basic and comprehensive plans, and some even offer 24/7 concierge support for things like rebooking flights or finding local medical providers.
Real-World Example: The Case of the Cancelled Safari
One of my clients had a dream trip to Kenya booked, including flights, luxury safari lodges, and guided tours. Two days before departure, her father was hospitalized unexpectedly. She had to cancel everything. Thankfully, she’d opted into comprehensive travel insurance. She was reimbursed for nearly $11,000 in non-refundable expenses. Without that policy? The financial loss would have been devastating.
When Travel Insurance Is a No-Brainer
Here are times when I always recommend booking travel insurance:
1. International Trips: Healthcare abroad can be costly, and many countries won’t treat you without upfront payment if you don’t have coverage. U.S. health insurance rarely applies overseas.
2. Cruises: Cruises are notorious for strict cancellation policies, and if you miss the ship departure due to a delayed flight, you’re usually on your own. Insurance can help you catch up to the next port or recoup your investment.
3. Expensive or Non-Refundable Trips: If your itinerary includes pricey resorts, prepaid tours, or boutique stays with strict cancellation rules, insurance gives peace of mind.
4. Travel During Hurricane or Flu Season: If you’re traveling during a high-risk season (like the Caribbean in September), having coverage for weather-related delays or illness is just smart.
5. Group Travel or Special Events: If you’re attending a destination wedding, anniversary trip, or group tour, the stakes are higher. Travel insurance ensures you don’t miss out or lose money due to a last-minute curveball.
When You Might Skip It (But Only If…)
If you’re booking a short domestic flight, staying at a refundable hotel, and don’t mind the small risk of losing out on the flight cost if plans change, then sure, maybe you skip it. But keep in mind, even a 3-day weekend can be impacted by unexpected weather, illness, or airline strikes.
And here’s something most people forget: lost luggage. Even for domestic trips, insurance can help you replace clothing and essentials quickly, so you don’t spend your vacation scrambling.
Insider Tips: What to Look for in a Travel Insurance Policy
Not all travel insurance plans are created equal. Here’s what I recommend looking for:
1. “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage:
This is a higher-tier option but offers the most flexibility. If you change your mind or get cold feet, you can cancel and get reimbursed (usually up to 75%).
2. Emergency Medical & Evacuation:
Look for a plan that covers at least $100,000 in medical costs and $250,000 in evacuation expenses. If you need to be airlifted from a remote island or ski slope, those numbers add up fast.
3. Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions:
If you have any health conditions, make sure you buy insurance within 10-14 days of your first trip payment. That way, most providers will waive the exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
4. Travel Delay and Baggage Delay Protections:
Even a 6-hour flight delay can cost you meals, hotel nights, and more. These extras are often overlooked but come in handy.
Quick Myth-Busting
“I have a travel credit card, so I’m already covered!”
Some premium travel cards do include trip insurance perks, but they’re usually limited. They might not include emergency medical coverage, or they may cap reimbursements. Always compare your card benefits with a standalone policy.
“I’m healthy and rarely cancel anything.”
That’s great, until it isn’t. I had a client trip canceled because their pet sitter backed out. Another caught food poisoning two days before flying out. Life is unpredictable, and insurance exists for exactly those kinds of surprises.
Booking Travel Insurance: When and How
Buy your policy as soon as you make your first trip payment (like flights or hotel deposits). That unlocks the most protection, including coverage for pre-existing conditions and “cancel for any reason” options.
You can get a standalone plan from providers like:
- Allianz Travel
- Travel Guard (AIG)
- Seven Corners
- Travelex
Or, if you’re working with a travel advisor (hi, that’s me!), I can help match the right policy to your trip specifics.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just Insurance, It’s Peace of Mind
Think of travel insurance like packing your passport. You hope you don’t need to flash it too often, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have it.
It’s easy to think you’re saving money by skipping it, but in my experience, the small upfront cost often protects a much bigger investment. Whether you’re honeymooning in the Maldives or heading to Europe for a family reunion, knowing you’re covered helps you enjoy the journey — and not stress every “what if.”
Ready to Travel Smart?
If you’re not sure whether your upcoming trip calls for insurance, I’d be happy to help walk you through your options. I can even help book the best plan for your trip type and budget.
📩 Let’s chat about your travel plans here!
