Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?

Let’s be honest—we’ve all hovered over that “Add Travel Insurance” checkbox before hitting Book Now, wondering if we should click it… or just take our chances.

If you're like most travelers, it's one of those last-minute decisions that feels optional—until something goes sideways. I get it. Even as a travel advisor, there was a time I’d skip it and think, What are the odds?

But travel insurance isn’t just for worst-case scenarios. It’s peace of mind packed in your carry-on. So let’s break it down: What does it really cover? When does it make sense? And is it worth the cost?

What Travel Insurance Actually Covers (In Plain English)
Depending on the policy, here’s what travel insurance can include:

• Trip cancellation/interruption – If something unexpected (like illness or weather) forces you to cancel or cut your trip short, you could get reimbursed.
• Medical emergencies abroad – Your regular health insurance may not cover you overseas. Travel insurance can.
• Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage – Because no one wants to be stuck in Rome without a change of clothes.
• Emergency evacuation – Natural disaster or political unrest? This gets you out safely.
• COVID-19-related disruptions – Some plans still include pandemic-related coverage (always worth double-checking).

TL;DR?
Travel insurance is like a safety net—one you hope you don’t need, but are really glad to have when the unexpected hits.

When It Makes Sense (and When It Might Not)
Here’s when I almost always recommend getting it:

🛳️ Cruises & International Travel – These are big investments. One hiccup and you could lose thousands.
🌪️ Travel During Hurricane Season – Or winter storm season.
🧾 Non-Refundable Everything – Hotels, excursions, airfare? That’s riskier.
❤️ Pre-Existing Health Conditions – Even more reason to protect your plans.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel – Kids get sick, emergencies happen. Coverage brings peace of mind.

And when can you skip it?

🚗 Short domestic road trips
🏠 Fully refundable bookings
🔁 Trips you’re okay rescheduling at your own expense

Bottom line? Think about what you’re risking if something goes wrong.

A Quick Story From the Road
Let's say you're headed on a bucket-list Mediterranean cruise. A week before departure, you come down with the flu and can't go. No travel insurance. No refund.
Another possibility? You have to cancel a European trip due to a family emergency. The insurance reimbursement can save the day.

The difference? A relatively small policy co$t—and thou$ands in savings.

How to Choose the Right Plan (Without Getting a Headache)
You don’t need to become an expert—just keep these tips in mind:

✅ Use a comparison tool like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip to shop plans.

📑 Check coverage limits, especially for medical care and cancellation reimbursement.

🧠 Watch for exclusions—some policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions unless added within a certain window.

🗺️ Match the coverage to the trip—longer, pricier trips call for stronger policies.

👋 Ask your travel advisor (yes, that’s me!) for help picking the right one.

My Final Take
You don’t always need travel insurance. But when you do... You really need it.

It’s like wearing a seatbelt—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if things go off course. And trust me, in the world of travel, things do go off course now and then.

If you’ve got a trip coming up and aren’t sure whether to add insurance (or which plan makes sense), reach out. I’m happy to walk you through it.

Safe travels,

🌊Mark Kelly
FORA Travel Advisor
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