By Ah, travel insurance—everyone’s favorite purchase right after taxes and root canals. You don’t think you need it until you’re stranded in a foreign hospital with a $10,000 bill, desperately Googling “how to sell a kidney legally.”
So, let’s break it down.
What is Travel Insurance?
It’s a magical little policy that saves your bank account when your luggage vanishes, your flight gets canceled, or you get food poisoning from that street food you swore was safe. It won’t stop bad things from happening, but at least you won’t be financially ruined when they do.
What Should It Cover?
A good policy includes:
✅ Medical expenses (because foreign hospitals don’t accept Monopoly money).
✅ Emergency evacuation (for when you realize hiking solo in the jungle was a bad idea).
✅ Trip cancellation (because life happens, and so do hurricanes).
✅ Lost or stolen belongings (yes, including that expensive camera you left unattended).
✅ 24/7 assistance (so you can cry to someone at 3 AM).
What’s not covered:
❌ Being reckless (no, bungee jumping off a hotel balcony doesn’t count as “safe activity”).
❌ Pre-existing conditions (read the fine print, or prepare for disappointment).
❌ Civil unrest (unless your government officially calls for evacuation, you’re on your own).
How to Pick the Right Policy
- Don’t go cheap. A $10 policy isn’t going to cover much more than a Band-Aid and a hug.
- Read the fine print. Seriously, do it. Otherwise, you’ll only find out what’s not covered when it’s too late.
- Check medical coverage limits. At least $100,000 is ideal unless you enjoy surprise medical debt.
- Look at emergency evacuation coverage. Getting airlifted out of a disaster zone isn’t cheap.
The Best Travel Insurance Companies
Because no, your credit card’s “free travel insurance” probably isn’t enough.
- Best Overall: SafetyWing (affordable and doesn’t suck).
- Best for Adventure Junkies: World Nomads (for when you inevitably injure yourself “having fun”).
- Best for Seniors: InsureMyTrip (because aging shouldn’t stop you from traveling).
- Best for Expats: Insured Nomads (because sometimes vacations turn into permanent escapes).
When to Buy It?
Immediately. The moment you book your trip, get it. If you wait until after disaster strikes, congratulations—you just played yourself.
Final Thoughts: Just Buy It Already
Look, I get it. It’s boring. But unless you have a crystal ball guaranteeing a disaster-free trip, get travel insurance. Because nothing says “great vacation” like not going bankrupt over a broken leg.
Safe travels. Try not to lose anything. 🚀