Why Travel Insurance is One of the Most Important Things You Can Pack

When planning a vacation, most people focus on the exciting parts: booking the perfect cruise, choosing a dreamy resort, picking excursions, and finding the best swimsuits. But there’s one essential item that often gets overlooked—and it doesn’t fit in your suitcase: travel insurance.

Travel insurance might not be as glamorous as a balcony suite or a candlelit dinner in Santorini, but it can be the one thing that saves your vacation—and your wallet—when the unexpected happens. Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or setting sail closer to home, having the right coverage is a smart (and often necessary) decision.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of coverage that protects your travel investment. Policies can cover a range of scenarios, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. Depending on the policy, you can choose comprehensive coverage or just insure specific parts of your trip.

Why Is It So Important?

1. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

You might need to cancel your trip for a number of reasons: illness, a family emergency, job loss, or even a natural disaster. Without travel insurance, you could lose non-refundable deposits, airfare, and more. Insurance can reimburse you for those costs so you're not paying for a vacation you couldn’t take.

2. Medical Emergencies Abroad

Your health insurance at home often won’t cover you once you leave the country. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and even emergency evacuations—which can cost tens of thousands of dollars if you're somewhere remote or require air transport.

3. Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Baggage

Bags get lost, flights get delayed, and connections get missed. Travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing essential items and help reimburse you for purchases made due to delays or lost baggage.

4. Travel Delays and Missed Connections

From airline strikes to unexpected weather delays, travel doesn’t always go as planned. A good policy will reimburse you for additional expenses, such as meals, hotel stays, or rebooking fees.

5. Peace of Mind

One of the most underrated benefits of travel insurance is peace of mind. Knowing you have a safety net can help you relax and actually enjoy your trip, rather than stressing over the "what-ifs."

Types of Travel Insurance Coverage

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs

• Emergency Medical & Evacuation: Medical coverage and emergency transport

• Baggage Loss/Delay: Compensation for lost or delayed bags and personal items

• Travel Delay: Reimbursement for meals, lodging, and transportation due to delays

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Optional add-on that lets you cancel for any reason and get partial reimbursement

When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

Ideally, purchase travel insurance as soon as you make your first deposit. Many policies include extra benefits (like coverage for pre-existing conditions) only if you buy within a certain time frame after your initial trip payment—usually 14-21 days.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Travel insurance typically costs between 5-10% of your total trip cost. When you compare that to the financial risk of having to cancel your trip or pay out-of-pocket for emergency care abroad, the cost is often well worth it.

What About Cruises?

Cruising brings its own unique set of what-ifs: missed departures, itinerary changes, onboard medical emergencies, or even being denied boarding due to illness. Travel insurance can provide coverage tailored to cruise travel, ensuring you’re protected from ship to shore.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about being prepared just in case. Think of it as the life vest you hope you never need but are so grateful to have when the waters get rough.

As your trusted travel advisor, I always recommend reviewing insurance options so that you can travel smarter, safer, and with total confidence. Because the only surprises on your trip should be the good kind—like an upgrade to a balcony cabin or spotting dolphins from your deck.

Have questions about what type of insurance is right for your next adventure? I’m here to help you navigate the options and make sure your dream vacation stays a dream—no matter what life throws your way.