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Let’s be real—travel insurance feels like one of those confusing add-ons everyone tells you to get, but no one actually explains. Some policies sound like they cover everything, others feel like overpriced fluff. So how do you know what’s worth it?
Here’s the no-nonsense guide to what you really need (and what you don’t):
What Travel Insurance Actually Covers
The good policies cover the stuff that can seriously wreck your trip:
Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Covers non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel last-minute due to illness, family emergency, or something unexpected.
Medical Coverage: Your health insurance likely doesn’t cover you internationally. Medical coverage helps if you get sick or injured abroad—hospital stays, doctor visits, even emergency evacuations.
Lost or Delayed Baggage: Airline lost your bag? Insurance helps replace essentials while you wait (or never get it back).
Travel Delay Coverage: Flight gets canceled and you need an overnight hotel? Covered.
What You Probably Don’t Need
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Upgrades: While CFAR sounds tempting, it’s pricey and doesn’t always reimburse the full amount. Unless your plans are super unstable, you may not need it.
Gadget Protection Add-Ons: If you already have homeowner’s/renter’s insurance or credit card protections, adding gadget coverage may duplicate what you already have.
Extreme Sports Coverage: Unless you’re planning skydiving or bungee jumping, you can skip this.
How Much Coverage Should You Get?
Trip cost coverage = Match it to what you’ve prepaid and can’t refund.
Medical coverage = Aim for $100,000+ for international trips.
Evacuation coverage = Look for $250,000+ in case of serious emergencies.
Pro Tips When Choosing a Policy:
Always read the fine print—what’s covered and, more importantly, what’s excluded.
Check if your credit card offers basic coverage (but don’t rely on it fully).
Buy insurance within 14-21 days of your initial deposit if you want full coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Final Thought:
Travel insurance isn’t glamorous, but when something goes wrong, it’s the difference between a minor hiccup and a total disaster. If you're unsure which policy is right for you, I always help my clients navigate the options as part of the planning process—because peace of mind shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Disclaimer:
Please note: I am not a licensed insurance agent. This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional insurance advice. Always review the specific terms of your travel insurance policy and consult with the provider directly to confirm coverage details.
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