Do you really need travel insurance?

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Traveling is an exciting adventure — whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural city break, or an adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursion. While the anticipation of a trip often focuses on flights, accommodations, and activities, there's one essential aspect that many travelers overlook: travel insurance.

Though it may seem like just another expense, travel insurance is a critical component of responsible travel planning. In this blog post, we'll explore why you need travel insurance and how it can protect you from unexpected setbacks that could otherwise ruin your trip and impact your finances.

1. Medical Emergencies Abroad

One of the most important reasons to purchase travel insurance is for medical coverage. Most domestic health insurance plans do not extend coverage internationally, or they offer only limited support. If you fall ill or are injured while traveling, a good travel insurance policy can cover hospital visits, medication, and even emergency medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We had one guest that experienced a heart issue and needed to be flown back from the Bahamas for care. That transport was over $100,000 and covered by his insurance. 

 
2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Life is unpredictable. Illness, injury, a family emergency, or even a global event could force you to cancel your trip at the last minute. Without insurance, you could lose non-refundable deposits or pre-paid bookings. Travel insurance helps reimburse you for these losses, giving you peace of mind before your departure and financial protection if your plans change unexpectedly. Many times you book months or even years in advance, without a crystal ball, there is no way to know exactly how you or your family will be at that time. 

3. Lost or Delayed Baggage

Airlines do their best, but luggage does occasionally go missing or gets delayed. Travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items if your bags are delayed and help cover losses if your luggage or personal belongings are lost or stolen. This benefit ensures you’re not left scrambling to replace necessities on your own dime.

4. Travel Delays

Cancellations, missed connections, or severe weather can disrupt your travel plans. With travel insurance, you may be compensated for additional accommodation, transportation, and meal costs incurred during a covered delay. That means less stress and fewer out-of-pocket expenses while you wait for your plans to resume. 

5. Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation

In rare yet serious situations like natural disasters or political unrest, you might need to evacuate a country quickly and safely. Travel insurance can arrange and cover the cost of emergency evacuations and, if necessary, repatriation to your home country. This support can be invaluable during crises when time and logistics are critical.

6. Coverage for Adventure and Specialized Activities

If your itinerary includes adventure sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, many standard policies offer options specific to high-risk activities. Tailored insurance ensures you’re covered for incidents that might occur during these pursuits, which are often excluded from basic medical or travel policies.

7. 24/7 Assistance Services

Most quality travel insurance plans come with 24/7 customer support services. This can include help finding local medical care, rebooking canceled flights, translating documents, or replacing lost passports. The convenience and assistance provided through these services can make a huge difference when navigating stressful travel situations.


Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have — it’s a safety net that protects your health, your belongings, and your financial investment in your trip. From minor inconveniences to major emergencies, it can help you travel with confidence, knowing you have support should something go wrong.

Before your next journey, take a few minutes to evaluate and compare insurance plans, ensuring they match your destination, duration, and activities. You may never need to use it, but if the unexpected happens, travel insurance can make all the difference between a minor hiccup and a travel disaster. Safe travels.