When Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Travel is an adventure filled with unexpected detours. Whether it's a volcano erupting in Iceland or a sudden illness before a big trip to Kenya, the unpredictable happens. That's why travel insurance isn't just a checkbox on your planning list; it's a parachute in your backpack for your personal finances. Let's dive into when you really need travel insurance and how it shields your travel investments.

What travel insurance can cover

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind when it comes to several elements of travel.

Natural disasters and severe weather

Did you know that 12% of trips are affected by natural disasters? Take, for instance, my personal mishap in 2010 when the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted. Ash clouds billowed into the sky, grounding flights across Europe, including my own in London. Stuck unexpectedly and without travel insurance, the financial and logistical stress was immense. This experience underscored a harsh truth: Travel disruptions are not just possible; they are a real risk that can happen anywhere, anytime.

If your travel destination has a reputation for weather-related unpredictability, travel insurance is a must. It ensures you can recoup the costs if you need to cancel or your travel is disrupted. This kind of foresight is invaluable, particularly considering that 41% of U.S. travelers do not purchase travel insurance when going abroad.

Health emergencies

The risk of falling ill or having an accident is more common than most travelers anticipate. In 2022, 1 in 5 paid travel insurance claims was for medical emergencies. U.S. health plans often provide limited coverage overseas, which means you could be facing hefty medical bills far from home without travel insurance. Plus, emergency medical evacuation -- which can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000 -- is typically covered under travel medical insurance, safeguarding your health and your wallet.

High-cost trips

Travel insurance is crucial if you're investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip or your travel plans include high-cost, non-refundable elements like tours, cruises, or multiple connecting flights. In 2022, the average claim payment for travel insurance was $2,157, while travelers only spent an average of $266 per policy. This relatively small investment can protect against significant financial losses, especially if your non-refundable trip costs are more than your budget can stand.

The "cancel for any reason" safety net

Sometimes, plans change not because of a disaster or illness but simply because you decide to. That's where "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage comes in. This add-on allows you to recover part of your investment even if your reason for canceling isn't covered under a standard policy. While CFAR can add about 50% to your insurance cost, it offers flexibility and peace of mind, reimbursing you for 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you cancel at least 48 hours before departure.

Long journeys and remote destinations

Extended vacations or travels to remote locations with limited medical facilities also warrant travel insurance. The further you are from home, the more complicated and expensive it is to handle unexpected issues like medical emergencies or trip interruptions. The average trip cancellation claim was $6,448 in 2022 -- highlighting how crucial it is to have coverage that matches the scope and scale of your journey.

This is also important if you plan to be abroad for a long time. For example, I live with my family in Switzerland for the summer, so we get insurance to cover our entire stay in the event we need to go to a doctor for anything from strep throat to a broken bone.

Other costs covered by travel insurance

Here's a quick list of what's typically covered.

• Trip cancellation: Reimburses 100% of prepaid, non-refundable deposits if you cancel for a covered reason.
• Travel delay: Covers expenses incurred due to delays if the policy covers the cause.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Allows cancellation for any reason not listed in the base policy and provides partial reimbursement.
• Trip interruption: Reimburses non-refundable parts of your trip if interrupted for a covered reason.
• Interruption for any reason (IFAR): This policy offers reimbursement for any interruption, regardless of the reason, as long as it's not listed in the base policy.
• Missed connection: Compensates for costs incurred due to missing a scheduled flight or other transportation due to a covered event.
• Baggage delay: Reimburses for necessary purchases like clothing and toiletries if bags go missing during travel.

These coverages help manage the risks and potential inconveniences associated with traveling, providing peace of mind no matter where your journey takes you.

When you should get travel insurance

Like auto or home insurance, travel insurance is often considered a prudent investment, especially under certain travel conditions where the risks and potential losses could be significant. Here are some scenarios where buying travel insurance proves to be especially worthwhile.

• High nonrefundable costs: If your trip's upfront costs are substantial and nonrefundable, insurance can protect you from severe financial loss if your plans fall through.
• International travel: Having insurance is crucial when traveling abroad, where unexpected issues can complicate matters.
• Remote destinations: Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind and safety in areas with limited healthcare facilities.
• Hurricane-prone areas: Insurance can protect you from last-minute cancellations and disruptions when traveling to regions known for hurricanes or other severe weather.
• Complex itineraries: With connecting flights or multiple destinations, the chances of encountering issues increase, making insurance a smart choice.
• Flexible cancellation options: Certain travel insurance policies can offer partial reimbursement if you need to cancel or cut your trip short for any reason.

Choosing whether to buy travel insurance is about assessing risk. Will the peace of mind of knowing you can handle almost any issue while away from home make your trip more enjoyable? If the answer is yes, then travel insurance is worth it.