Should You Buy International Travel Insurance? A Comprehensive Guide

You Just Booked Your Trip But Now Wondering Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?

Planning a trip is an exciting endeavor, filled with dreams of exploration and adventure. However, amidst all the anticipation, one crucial question often arises: Do you need travel insurance? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of international travel insurance, understand why it’s essential, and determine the best travel insurance coverage for your needs.

You planned out your next vacation and just finished booking your final details, and then you are wondering if you need to purchase an international travel insurance policy? You might think that you have full medical health coverage from your job or that your health is fine. You might even think, that you can save some money… What could go wrong?

Actually, a lot can go wrong and it could be out of your control. If you traveled a lot already, you might have already experienced some of these circumstances. Have you ever had lost luggage? Have you ever had a flight delayed or cancelled while traveling? Have you ever missed your flight? Or maybe you got injured or sick while traveling? If you have, then you know that these incidents can be a major setback. When you purchase an international travel insurance policy, you are helping to protect yourself from these unforeseen situations. I researched and listed the best insurance companies providing international health coverage for travelers, digital nomads, and foreigners living abroad.

What Is International Travel Medical Insurance?

International Travel Insurance is your safety net while you embark on journeys near and far. It provides financial protection and peace of mind by covering unforeseen events. Whether you’re on a backpacking expedition or a luxury cruise, travel insurance is a vital companion.

Travel Insurance is a separate policy from your Health Insurance provided by your employer in your primary residence country. International Travel Insurance will provides medical coverage while you are overseas or outside of your home country. Providing coverage for medical, personal belongings, and flight cancellations.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

• Protection Against Trip Cancellation: Life is unpredictable, and emergencies happen. Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel due to a covered reason.

• Medical Emergencies Abroad: Travel insurance offers crucial medical coverage, ensuring you receive the care you need without astronomical bills in case of illness or injury while overseas.

• Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage gets lost or delayed during your trip, travel insurance can help reimburse your expenses for essentials.

Now, you might wonder, Should I buy travel insurance? Let’s explore this in the next section.

Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

Deciding whether to buy travel insurance depends on your trip’s nature, duration, and personal circumstances. For a weekend getaway within your home country, you may not need extensive coverage. However, for international adventures, especially those involving expensive prepaid expenses, travel insurance is highly recommended.

• Adventure Travel: If your trip involves activities like scuba diving, hiking, or skiing, travel insurance can protect you against injuries.

• Expensive Prepaid Costs: If you’ve invested in non-refundable flights, accommodations, or tours, travel insurance can be a lifesaver in case of cancellations.

So, how do you choose the best travel insurance? Let’s explore that in the next section.

What is The Travel Insurance Coverage?

Travel insurance can cover a range of events, including:

• Trip cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage. If your trip is impacted by a covered reason, such as personal illness, illness or death of a family member, natural disaster, job loss, terrorist attack or flight issues, this coverage typically can reimburse you.
  
• Medical and dental emergencies. Travel medical and dental insurance will cover you if you face a medical emergency while you are in another country. Most times your U.S. medical or dental insurance does not cover you internationally.
  
• Medical and emergency evacuation. If you become ill and need an ambulance or flight to access health care, or if you must get away from a crisis situation like a political uprising, evacuation coverage can help pay certain transportation costs.
  
• Baggage and personal belongings. This coverage reimburses costs associated with luggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged while traveling.
  
• Flight delay or Missed connection coverage. Your policy might reimburse you if your flight is delayed by a certain amount of time. And or if you missed your connection flight due to an unexpected event.
  

Most international travel insurance companies will offer a few policy coverage options to choose from to meet your travel needs and cover you in certain situations. Always check if your policy will have deductible.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

I prefer to get a international travel insurance policy with no deductible and that will cover me in multiple countries. The minimum medical coverage should be at least $10,000-$15,000, but I would try to get at least a $30,000 to $50,000 medical premium. Whether your going on a vacation or your living abroad, choose the right policy to fit your lifestyle. Make sure the policy you choose covers trip cancellations, personal belongings, electronics, and what activities are covered.

Finding the Best Travel Insurance Companies

When selecting travel insurance, consider factors like coverage limits, exclusions, and policy cost. Compare different providers and choose a plan that aligns with your specific travel needs. Opt for reputable companies that offer comprehensive **international travel insurance**.

• Coverage Types: Look for policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and more.

• Customer Reviews: Research online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction and the company’s reputation.

• Affordability: Choose a plan that offers the **best travel insurance** value for your budget.

This section is broken down into two catogories. Single trips would be a vacation or holiday trip with a stay of up to 180 days before returning to your home country. If you plan on living abroad and traveling to multiple countries, you should have an annual or monthly reoccurring policy. These are the best travel insurance companies i found:

Best Travel Insurance Companies

Faye – The coverage spans emergency medical expenses, trip-related issues, and protection for personal belongings. Additionally, the available add-ons, such as coverage for adventure sports and rental car protection, enhance the flexibility of the insurance. Convenient app provides a one-stop solution for various travel-related needs, including 24/7 support, access to a telemedicine network, and easy claim filing.

SafteyWing – A popular new travel medial insurance company with digital nomads providing both single trip coverage and an ongoing monthly policies at affordable prices. There is a $250 deductible per policy term, and they do not cover preexisting conditions. Read my full article on SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Genki – is a new player in the travel insurance arena, and while I haven’t used or researched them yet, it’s advisable to conduct a thorough review, including customer feedback, to assess their reliability and effectiveness.

Global Health Insurance for Living Abroad

If you’re seeking comprehensive global medical health insurance coverage for work, study, or life abroad, explore my detailed guide highlighting the top four insurance companies I’ve identified.

My Story

I used to book the international travel insurance that was offered through the airlines, as it was convenient, but I never read the policy and just figured I would be protected. On a previous trip, I did wind up going to an emergency room in the hospital because I got severely sunburned. It was fairly inexpensive (under $60), but I was unable to file a claim because it did not meet the deductible. Years later, I was walking around on the same island and I heard noises in the tree above. I thought it was a monkey, but a coconut fell right behind us, bounced up and struck me on the shoulder… close call.

Considering the affordability of medical expenses in certain destinations, you might wonder whether you need to invest in insurance. Let me share a personal experience that emphasizes the importance of having travel insurance.

During one trip, I decided not to purchase insurance. Unfortunately, I had a motorbike accident, and I found myself in a situation where I needed medical care. I opted for a nearby private hospital, where the first question was, “Do you have insurance?” The severity of my wound made the situation even more critical. The hospital staff informed me that the bill for potential surgery could reach a staggering $10,000 USD.

Fortunately, I had a resourceful Thai friend who came to my aid. They picked me up and rushed me to a government hospital, which was approximately 45 minutes away. It’s important to note that in countries like Thailand, there are two types of hospitals – private ones for those with insurance or financial means, and government-run hospitals, which offer more affordable but possibly less modern care. If you end up in the emergency room of a government hospital without insurance, you’ll likely find yourself in a large general population room with other patients.

As this real-life scenario illustrates, purchasing international travel insurance becomes a clear and wise decision when considering the unpredictability of travel and the potential costs of unforeseen medical emergencies. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.

Conclusion of Why You Do You Need Travel Insurance

In the grand adventure of travel, the question, Do you need travel insurance? receives a resounding Yes! While it might seem like an additional cost, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides. To ensure a memorable and secure journey, invest in the best travel insurance that suits your needs, and you’ll be ready to explore the world with confidence. *As An Affiliate, I Earn A Small Commission Off Any Purchases From The Links.