Do I Need to Buy Travel Insurance?
As you explore the world, there are countless exciting details to plan—but travel insurance often feels like a dry topic. Still, it’s one of the most important aspects of trip planning. Many travelers ask, 'Do I really need to buy travel insurance?'
Yes. And yes again.
Please don’t confuse it with your regular medical insurance—travel insurance is an entirely different and essential safety net.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Every year, we see guests forced to cancel carefully planned trips due to unforeseen reasons. Often, it’s something minor—a flu or a sprained ankle—but sometimes it’s more serious, like a close relative becoming gravely ill or worse. Life happens, and unfortunately, it doesn’t always align with our travel plans.
When trips are canceled, most (if not all) of the upfront deposit is non-refundable. The closer you get to your departure date, the more difficult it becomes to recover costs.
In these emotional situations, having comprehensive travel insurance turns a difficult conversation into a manageable one. Insurance allows guests to be reimbursed for what they’ve lost—and often, to rebook later with less stress.
Is My Health Insurance Enough?
In short… No.
Most U.S.-based health insurance policies provide little or no coverage outside the country. If you’re traveling internationally and you need emergency care, chances are you’ll need to pay out of pocket—and overseas hospitals often require payment before treatment.
Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage can:
Cover hospital and medical fees abroad
Assist with emergency evacuation or medical repatriation
Help you locate qualified doctors or hospitals
Offer 24/7 emergency assistance
Keep your loved ones informed in real time
What Kind of Travel Insurance Do I Need?
There are two main types of coverage to consider:
1. Medical Emergency Coverage (Minimum)
This is the bare minimum you should have when traveling internationally.
It typically includes:
Emergency medical care and evacuation
Hospitalization abroad
Transportation back home if needed
Lump-sum payouts for accidental injury or death
It’s usually inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind.
2. Comprehensive Coverage (Recommended)
As the name suggests, this covers a wide range of potential issues:
Trip cancellation or interruption
Travel delays or missed connections
Lost or delayed baggage
Theft protection
Pre-existing medical conditions (when eligible)
Emergency medical and dental care
The cost typically ranges from 5% to 15% of your total trip cost, depending on your age and trip value. Older travelers or those with higher trip costs will pay more—but the protection is often worth it.
What If I Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Good news: Some policies do cover pre-existing conditions—but there are rules.
To qualify for this coverage, you usually must:
Purchase insurance within 14 days of your first trip deposit
Be medically fit to travel at the time of purchase
Insure the entire non-refundable cost of your trip
Add any new non-refundable expenses to your coverage within 14 days of booking
If this applies to you, it’s a good idea to get your doctor’s written approval to travel before booking and buying coverage.
Where Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
Travel specialists we work with always recommend having at least emergency medical coverage—and preferably comprehensive insurance. They may suggest a trusted provider they partner with, and while they do earn a small commission, they typically only recommend companies they believe in.
These relationships can also be helpful when making a claim—having an advocate on your side who knows how the system works can make a difference.
Alternatively, you can also buy insurance independently from reputable travel insurers or comparison websites. I’m happy to share links or recommendations with you directly.
Final Thoughts
I completely understand the temptation to skip insurance—believe me, I’ve been there. But after helping countless guests through claims, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it can be.
I don’t sell insurance myself, and I won’t push a specific provider. What I will do is help you understand your options, share advice, and answer any questions—so you can travel confidently and protect the investment you’ve made.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what kind of coverage you need or if you just want a second opinion—please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Travel well,
John Spence
Independent Travel Advice from Trusted Experts