When I was preparing for my first long-term trip after my exchange program, I almost skipped buying travel insurance. It felt like an unnecessary expense — something boring and “just in case.” I was more excited about packing outfits and planning hostels than reading insurance documents.
Luckily, I changed my mind. That trip? I lost my phone, got food poisoning in the mountains, and had a canceled flight that cost me three days. But because I had a good policy, I recovered both my health and my money.
Travel insurance isn’t exciting. But it’s essential.
This guide breaks down everything I’ve learned from traveling alone, traveling smart, and helping others navigate insurance the right way — no jargon, no fear tactics, just honest advice.
Why Travel Insurance Is Absolutely Worth It
Even if you’re healthy, careful, and super organized, travel is unpredictable. Delays, illness, and lost items happen — and without coverage, they can turn into major headaches (and costs).
Here’s what the right travel insurance does for you:
- ✅ Pays for medical emergencies abroad — where treatment can cost thousands.
- ✅ Covers emergency evacuation if you’re stuck somewhere remote.
- ✅ Refunds you for canceled trips or interrupted travel due to family illness, weather, etc.
- ✅ Replaces lost baggage or stolen items.
- ✅ Provides 24/7 assistance, often in your language, when something goes wrong.
🧳 Real story: A friend I met in Peru had to fly home early due to a family emergency. Without insurance, she would’ve lost over $1,200 in bookings. Because she had a solid plan, she got most of it refunded.
What to Look for in a Good Travel Insurance Policy
Not all policies are created equal. Here’s what you want your coverage to include — and why it matters.
✅ Emergency Medical Expenses
This is the most important section. Look for:
- Minimum $100,000 USD in coverage for international travel.
- Coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, and tests.
- Emergency dental treatment.
✅ Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
Some places are remote. If you break a leg hiking in Patagonia, getting to a proper hospital can cost a lot. Good policies offer:
- $250,000+ in coverage for evacuation.
- Medical repatriation (getting you home, if necessary).
✅ Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Things happen before and during trips:
- Illness in your family
- Injury
- Natural disasters
- Delayed connections
Coverage here can refund non-refundable flights, tours, or hotels.
✅ Lost or Delayed Luggage
Airlines lose bags more often than you’d think. This covers:
- Replacement clothes and toiletries.
- Lost items up to a limit (some plans reimburse electronics too — double-check).
✅ Personal Liability
If you accidentally cause damage or injury, this helps cover legal and medical costs.
💡 Optional add-ons to consider:
- Coverage for adventure sports
- Rental car insurance
- COVID-19 coverage
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Plan
Here’s how I walk through this every time I book a trip:
Step 1: Consider Your Trip Type
Ask yourself:
- How long are you going?
- Are you visiting multiple countries?
- Will you be hiking, diving, biking, or skiing?
- Are you bringing expensive gear (camera, laptop)?
- Do you have any pre-existing health conditions?
👉 Your answers help determine what type of policy — and coverage level — you need.
Step 2: Use Trusted Comparison Tools
Sites like:
- InsureMyTrip
- Squaremouth
- TravelInsurance.com
…let you compare policies side by side, filter by coverage type, and read real reviews. It saves time and avoids regret.
📌 Pro tip: Stick to well-known insurers like World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, or AXA — they’re traveler-tested.
Step 3: Check Medical Coverage Minimums
For international trips, look for:
- $100,000+ in medical expense coverage
- $250,000+ in evacuation
- Dental: some include up to $500 for emergencies
Traveling somewhere remote? Increase those numbers.
Step 4: Check for COVID-19 & Quarantine Coverage
Some (but not all!) policies now include:
- Medical treatment if you test positive abroad
- Quarantine hotel coverage
- Cancellation due to a positive test before departure
Always read the fine print — don’t assume it’s included.
Step 5: Review What’s NOT Covered
These are the exclusions that surprise most travelers:
- ❌ Undeclared pre-existing conditions
- ❌ Extreme sports (unless you buy add-ons)
- ❌ Theft from an unlocked bag or unattended area
- ❌ Incidents involving alcohol or illegal activities
- ❌ Ignoring government travel warnings
If you’re planning scuba diving or skydiving, you must add adventure sports coverage — it’s usually not standard.
Step 6: Look at Coverage for Lost Items
- How much is reimbursed for bags or gear?
- Is there a limit per item? (Most policies cap electronics around $500)
- Will they replace your passport, phone, or camera?
📸 My advice: Take photos of your gear before you leave, and save receipts when possible.
Step 7: Understand the Claims Process
You don’t want to fight for weeks to get your money back. Look for companies with:
- Simple online claim portals
- 24/7 customer support
- Good payout reviews
Keep every receipt, police report, and medical invoice — even for small things.
Step 8: Know When to Use Annual vs. Single-Trip Coverage
If you travel more than twice a year, annual policies can save you money and time. Just make sure they cover all regions you’ll visit.
Step 9: Check if Your Credit Card Offers Insurance
Some credit cards offer free basic coverage — but usually only if you booked the trip with the card. Also:
- Read the fine print
- Know what’s actually covered (medical is often excluded)
Step 10: Save Without Cutting Quality
Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive:
- Most decent plans cost between $2–$6 per day.
- Skip add-ons you won’t use (like rental car if you’re not driving).
- Bundle with other travel services if discounts apply.
Common Myths That Could Cost You
🧠 Myth: “I’m healthy, I don’t need insurance.”
Truth: Accidents, infections, and emergencies happen to everyone.
🧠 Myth: “It’s just a short trip — nothing will go wrong.”
Truth: Some of the worst travel disasters happen within 48 hours of arriving.
🧠 Myth: “It’s too expensive.”
Truth: I once paid $38 for a 10-day trip — and the same policy reimbursed me $400 for a delayed flight.
Final Tips Before You Hit “Buy”
✅ Always read the policy documents.
✅ Tell the truth about health and trip details.
✅ Keep your digital and printed insurance certificate with your passport.
✅ Email a copy to someone at home.
✅ Save the emergency contact number in your phone.
Travel Insurance = Peace of Mind You Can Pack
You don’t get travel insurance because you want to use it — you get it so you can keep traveling, even when life throws a curveball.
It’s the safety net that makes solo trips less scary, makes long-term adventures more manageable, and helps you stay confident in unfamiliar places.
So yes, compare policies. Ask questions. Read the details. Then click “buy” — and travel freely, knowing you’re covered.
💼✨ Safe travels, smart choices, and bold adventures ahead.