Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Here’s why.
Travel insurance might seem like one of those things you can skip to save a few bucks—until something unexpected happens. And let’s be real, travel is full of surprises (some amazing, some… not so much). Here’s when you’ll be glad you had coverage:
Trip Cancellations & Delays
Flights get canceled. Bags take unscheduled vacations to who-knows-where. Bad weather, airline issues, or even personal emergencies can throw a wrench into your plans. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs like non-refundable flights, hotel stays, medical emergencies, and essentials if your luggage goes missing.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Medical Emergencies Abroad?
So it’s the last full day of our Costa Rican adventure, we’ve come back from a day at the beach to hang in the pool. The pool had one of those benches you can sit on in the deep end… BAM! cracked head, blood everywhere, stitches.
A minor accident or sudden illness can turn into big bucks when you’re overseas. Most domestic health insurance plans don’t cover international medical care, and hospitals abroad may require upfront payment. Travel insurance ensures you’re covered for doctor visits, hospital stays, and even medical evacuation if needed. It also often gives you a choice of hospital. Because we had insurance, we could choose between the private hospital (which we ultimately chose. It took 30 minutes. They were waiting for us – our hotel had called ahead – and it was the cleanest hospital I’ve ever seen) over the public hospital.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Belongings
When we connected through Frankfurt to Athens, we were already on the plane when they announced that no one’s luggage was making the flight with us. In Athens, days later when I went to search the Athens Airport underbelly for our luggage, I walked into a sea of thousands of lost bags, crying travelers, and indifferent staff. Lost belongings happen more than we want them to.
Whether it’s lost by the airline or stolen in a crowded marketplace, replacing your stuff can add up fast. A good travel insurance policy reimburses you for lost or stolen items, so you’re not left scrambling.
Adventure & Activity Coverage
Planning to ski in the Alps, scuba dive in Thailand, or hike in Patagonia? Standard policies don’t always cover high-risk activities. If adventure is on your itinerary, make sure your insurance includes add-ons for extreme sports and outdoor activities.
Wait, Doesn’t My Credit Card Cover This?
Some credit cards offer travel protection, but it’s often limited. They might cover trip delays or lost baggage but not medical emergencies or adventure sports. Always read the fine print to see what’s actually included before relying on your card’s coverage.
Which Travel Insurance Should You Get?
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal – some offer basic coverage, while others provide full protection for medical emergencies, adventure activities, and long-term travel. The best choice depends on your travel style and needs.
Here are some top-rated travel insurance providers to consider:
- World Nomads – Best for adventure travelers who need coverage for activities like hiking, scuba diving, and skiing.
- SafetyWing – Great for long-term travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads looking for affordable, subscription-based coverage.
- Allianz – A solid option for families, business travelers, and those who want comprehensive trip protection.
How to Choose the Right Policy:
✔️ If you’re an adventure traveler, look for policies that cover high-risk activities.
✔️ If you’re a frequent traveler or digital nomad, consider a long-term plan like SafetyWing.
✔️ If you just want basic trip protection, check if your credit card’s coverage is enough – otherwise, a full policy is safer, like with Allianz. Allianz also offers year-long coverage for multiple trips (so you don’t have to buy a separate policy for each trip which can add up).
✔️ Need medical coverage only? Some policies let you skip trip protection and just cover health emergencies abroad.
Pro Tip: Always read the fine print and compare deductibles, exclusions, and claim processes before purchasing.
Can I Roll the Dice With my Credit Card?
| Coverage Type | Credit Card Travel Protection | Full Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellations | ✅ Limited | ✅ Comprehensive |
| Trip Delays | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
| Lost or Delayed Baggage | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Medical Emergencies | ❌ No (usually) | ✅ Yes |
| Emergency Evacuation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Adventure Activities | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Available as an add-on |
| Trip Length Limits | ✅ Usually short trips only | ✅ Covers long-term travel |
| Customizable Coverage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
If you can afford to lose thousands of dollars on a canceled trip, stolen gear, or an unexpected hospital visit, then sure, skip it. But for the rest of us, it’s a small investment for massive peace of mind.
Looking to save even more on your next trip? Check out my step-by-step guide to budget travel!
Have you ever had to use travel insurance? Share your experience in the comments!
