Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Do you need travel insurance? This is a question that many travelers ask themselves when they are planning their trip. The answer to this question will depend on the type of traveler you are, and your destination location. With that in mind, we will review when you should consider getting travel insurance as well as when it might not be necessary for your trip!

Traveling can be a very expensive investment. When traveling, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong and disrupt our plans. That is why it is important to make sure you have the appropriate travel protection in place that aligns with the trip your are taking.

When can I skip travel insurance?

• If the risk of travel is low. For example, if you are going on a cruise in North America where there’s very little risk of disaster or political violence.
• If your trip is for less than a week and doesn’t include any major activities that would make it expensive to cancel (e.g., long hikes).
• If you are staying in within your home country. This means you will still have access to your healthcare system and emergency services if needed.
• If the cost of your trip was low. It may not be worth adding more costs to your vacation if it was low enough for you to take the risk of not getting reimbursed in the case of an emergency or illness.
• If it is for a last minute trip. The closer the trip is, the less likely it will be to need to cancel it for any reason.
• If you book your vacation on a credit card that offers enough protection for your peace of mind.

When should I get travel insurance?

• When your vacation is for more than a week and includes lots of activities that are non-refundable or expensive to cancel.
• If any major natural disaster has occurred in the destination country within the past five years. If a disaster strikes again, you will want to have trip cancellation coverage.
• You book your trip far in advance. A lot can change in your life in the coming months, and travel insurance coverage can give you more flexibility if you need trip cancellation or change your plans down the line.
• If you will be participating in dangerous activities. If you will be rock climbing, hang gliding, scuba diving, or any sport that major injury can occur, you will want to make sure you have travel insurance. This will give you access to needed emergency medical services and evacuation services.

If you are still questioning whether or not you should get travel insurance, I would say to get it. If you purchase a travel insurance coverage policy from a well-rated travel insurance company, like Travel Guard, you can truly enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming trip. Travel insurance, after all, was created to give you peace of mind so you can relax and know you are covered for all of your vacation’s what ifs.

Learn more about how you can cancel for any reason with Travel Guard.