Travel Insurance: Do You Really Need It?

Okay, real talk. You’re booking a trip, feeling great, and then boom — that annoying little checkbox appears: “Would you like to add travel insurance?” And your gut reaction? Pfft, no. I'm fine. We get it. Travel insurance feels like one of those upsells you click past while muttering “rip-off.” Because who wants to spend extra money on something you hope you won’t even use? But here’s the thing: when stuff goes wrong while traveling — and eventually, it will — travel insurance suddenly looks like a genius move. So… do you actually need it? Let’s break it down. No fluff, no scare tactics, no fine print. Just the facts.

First, What Even Is Travel Insurance?

It’s not that complicated. Travel insurance is basically a safety net for when your trip turns into a dumpster fire. Depending on the policy, it can cover:

Cancelled flights
Medical emergencies abroad
Lost or delayed bags
Hotel cancellations
Evacuations (yes, literal helicopters)
Missed connections
Even surprise quarantine costs

It’s there to stop your trip from becoming both a mess and a financial disaster.

When You Probably Don’t Need Travel Insurance

Let’s not waste your money if you don’t have to. If the following sounds like your trip, you can probably skip the insurance:

Cheap Domestic Trip

Flying to see your cousin in Ohio for $150 round-trip? Staying in someone’s spare room? Relax. If it all goes wrong, you’re out a couple of hundred bucks, max.

Your Credit Card Already Covers You

Some travel credit cards already include insurance for delays, cancellations, and lost bags. It’s basic, but it’s something. If you’ve got one of these cards, check the perks before buying extra coverage.

You’re Chill About Risk

If you’re the kind of person who shrugs off delays, rebooks flights on the fly, and rolls with whatever chaos hits you… Good for you. Save the money and wing it.

When You 100% Should Have It

Now here’s when skipping travel insurance is just asking for pain:

International Travel

Newsflash: Your regular health insurance probably won’t cover you abroad. If you break an ankle in Italy or get food poisoning in Thailand, guess who’s paying out of pocket? (Spoiler: You.) Medical bills overseas = expensive. Insurance = not.

You’ve Prepaid for Everything

Tours. Hotels. Cruises. That fancy yoga retreat in Bali. If it's non-refundable, it needs protection. Unless you’re cool with just losing that money if something happens.

You Spent a Lot

If this trip costs you more than you’d be comfortable setting on fire, get insurance. That’s really the rule. The more you’ve spent, the more you should protect it.

You’re Traveling with Family

Kids get sick. Grandparents fall. Someone forgot a passport. One person’s drama becomes everyone’s problem. Insurance can’t fix the chaos, but it can help you avoid paying for it.

What It Doesn’t Cover

Let’s kill the myth: travel insurance does not cover everything. Things it usually doesn’t help with:

You're changing your mind
Deciding you’re just “not in the mood to go anymore”
Known medical issues (unless you buy a plan that includes it)
Skydiving, shark diving, or any “are-you-kidding-me” activity
Being dumb and losing your passport the night before

Pro tip: Read what’s actually covered. Or at least skim it. Please.

How Much Does It Cost?

Usually, 5–10% of your total trip cost. So if your trip costs $2,000, expect to spend $100–$200 for insurance. Annoying? A little. Cheaper than a surprise hospital stay, missed flight, or lost luggage? 100%.

Final Thoughts: Insurance Is Boring — Until It’s Not

Look, travel insurance is not sexy. It’s not exciting. It’s one of those adulting things you buy and hope you never need. But when everything hits the fan — delays, illness, cancellations, lost bags, whatever — it can save your trip and your wallet. If you’re still unsure, just ask yourself this: “If this trip goes completely sideways, can I afford to deal with it out of pocket?” If the answer is no? Get the damn insurance. Check out our website to know more. Also Read: What’s Going On With US Aviation Safety? A Look at Recent Crashes and Rule Changes