9 REASONS TO GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
📍 San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Travel insurance is one of those things that can feel like a scam, or a waste of money. Believe me, I used to feel the same way. But after losing quite a bit on trip deposits during COVID and worrying about whether future travel plans would come to fruition, I started shelling out for the extra coverage. Now, you wouldn’t catch me without it.
Here are 9 reasons you should seriously consider buying travel insurance for your next adventure:
1. Non-Refundable Deposits
If you've made non-refundable deposits for accommodations, tours, or activities, travel insurance can reimburse you if you have to cancel for a covered reason. For me, this alone is worth the cost.
📍 Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC
2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Travel plans can sometimes be disrupted due to unexpected events like illness, injury, or a family emergency. Travel insurance can help you recover non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short.
3. Medical Emergencies
If you become ill or injured while traveling, especially in a foreign country, medical expenses can be exorbitant. Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, and medical evacuations. Evacuation becomes important when you get thrown from a vehicle offroading off the coast of Belize and need a transfusion. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather go home than get medical care on a remote island.
📍 Palmer Park Trail, Colorado Springs, CO
4. Lost or Delayed Baggage
Airlines occasionally lose or delay luggage, leaving you without your belongings. Travel insurance can reimburse you for necessary clothing and toiletries until your luggage is returned. (Can you say free shopping spree?)
📍 Florence, Italy
5. Travel Delays
Delays in flights or other modes of transportation can wreak havoc on your travel plans. Travel insurance can cover expenses related to accommodations, meals, and alternative transportation if your plans are disrupted due to delays. Once, our flight back home was delayed a day and we had to shell out for an extra day at our AirBnB and our rental car. This alone cost more than the trip’s insurance premium. I would have been worried about taking on the extra cost (budget travelers, you get it), but I submitted a claim and they took care of it right away.
6. Natural Disasters and Unforeseen Events
Natural disasters, political unrest, or other unforeseen events (ahem, a worldwide pandemic) can impact your travel destination. Travel insurance can help you recover your expenses if your trip is canceled or delayed due to such events.
7. Emergency Assistance
Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. This can be invaluable when you're in an unfamiliar place and need help with medical referrals, legal assistance, or other emergencies.
📍 Agistri, Greece
8. Coverage Gaps
Your regular health insurance or credit card may not provide adequate coverage while traveling, especially internationally. Travel insurance can fill these gaps and ensure you're adequately protected. (p.s. Make sure you check the coverage you’ve already got in case something happens)
9. Luggage and Personal Belongings
In addition to lost or delayed baggage, travel insurance can also cover theft or damage to your personal belongings, such as electronics, jewelry, or cameras.
📍 Central Park, Manhattan, NYC
While travel insurance adds an additional cost to your trip, it's a relatively small investment compared to the potential financial and emotional stress you could face without it. When choosing a policy, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, understand what is covered, and select a plan that suits your specific needs and travel circumstances.
You can use Insure My Trip to compare service providers and find a policy that meets your needs.
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