OK, it’s time to discuss something that everyone wonders about when booking a trip. Travel Insurance. Is travel insurance worth it? Do you actually need it? I know travel insurance can be daunting and confusing, but don’t worry, in this guide, I will list out the pros and cons of travel insurance so you can make the best decision for you.

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What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is coverage for unforeseen losses while traveling, whether internationally or domestically. Travel insurance usually falls into two categories, trip cancelation, and travel medical insurance.

Trip Cancellation usually covers some or all of these:

Trip Cancellation

If you have to cancel your trip because of illness, death in the family, or other valid reason listed on your insurance policy.

Trip Interruption

If you have to cut your trip short due to illness, a death in the family, or an emergency that requires you to return home early.

• Emergency Medical Expenses

If you get sick or injured while on your trip your expenses can be covered to see a doctor.

• Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you get horribly sick or break your leg while hiking and can’t move you will be transported to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

• Repatriation of Remains

If God forbid, you pass away while on your trip your remains would be sent back home.

• Baggage

Lost, stolen, and delayed baggage can be covered.

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment

If you pass away or lose a limb in an accident while on your trip.

Travel Medical Insurance usually covers:

Travel medical insurance can sometimes include some of the trip cancellation benefits. Since its medical insurance, it may have more coverage than the emergency medical coverage that is a part of the cancellation packages.

Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance

Pros of Travel Insurance

Peace of Mind

Having insurance will absolutely give you peace of mind. If you miss a flight (usually if it’s no fault of your own) or get sick you won’t have to worry about how to afford the extra costs.

Compensation for Lost Items

If you lose your baggage don’t worry, you will be compensated for your lost items. Just remember when you’re packing to put anything you absolutely can’t lose, like your camera or jewelry, into your carry-on. Read more about everything I bring in my carry-on here.

Treatment in Another Country

I don’t know about all health insurance companies but I know that most of them do not cover treatment outside of my country of residence.

Save Money in the Long Run

If you miss your flight, lose your baggage, or get something stolen from you while traveling you will be so happy that you purchased travel insurance. It will save you tons of money in the long run. Life can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t change while you’re on vacation.

Cons of Travel Insurance

Price

While travel Insurance can definitely be pricey depending on the company you choose, it will cost you more in the long run if you end up losing your money because you had to cancel your trip.

Cancellation Can Be Tricky

Travel insurance policies can be so confusing. All the fine print can make you crazy but, it’s important that you read it. You also need to keep documentation of everything. If you need to cancel you will have to have proof of the reasoning.

Coverage Could be Overkill

If you are partially covered through your credit card, partially covered by your airline, and your rental car company you may have a lot of benefits that overlap. Be sure to check with your current credit cards, airline, personal insurance, and any other places that you may have insurance with before you purchase it.

Pre-Existing Conditions Aren’t Always Covered

Pre-existing conditions are almost never covered. Be sure to read your policy thoroughly or call the insurance provider to see if yours is covered.

Your Claim May Not be Accepted

Again, make sure to read all the fine print. The policies usually only reimburse you under specific circumstances. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, you most likely won’t get your money back.

How to Get Coverage

Check Current Coverage

You may already have some coverage and not even know it. Check with your credit cards, private insurance provider, rental car company, and your airline because some offer coverage with the policies or flights you have already purchased.

Research Different Companies

The best thing you can do is research and find the best policy for you. You may only need minimal coverage if you have some coverage from a different policy. Take your time and do as much research as necessary to get all the information you need.

Make sure you read all the details of your policy. Each company varies so each policy will include different benefits.

Travel Insurance I Love: SafetyWing

I never travel without insurance anymore. In my opinion travel insurance is more than worth it and I always feel like if I don’t have it, that’s when I will need it. The insurance coverage I recommend is SafetyWing.

SafetyWing is insurance made by digital nomads for digital nomads. It covers so much and is extremely affordable.

What I love most about SafetyWing is that it allows me to be flexible with my travels. Going on a 3-month adventure, they have you covered because their insurance is recurring for up to a year. Going on a trip and it will only last a week and a half? That’s ok too. You can choose specific dates too. This company has really thought of everything.

Read everything that’s covered in their nomad insurance here.

Get your quote today by filling out the form below.

As you can see there are many pros and cons of travel insurance. I recommend always having it but just remember to do your research, read all the fine print, and pick the company and policy that’s right for you. Do you normally travel with or without travel insurance? Let me know in the comments.