Why You Should Always Book Travel Insurance
It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t come with ocean views, Instagrammable cocktails, or boutique hotel perks. But it’s essential, and it’s the one thing that could save your entire trip from becoming a very expensive disaster.
So why do people still skip it?
Often, it’s because they think “Nothing will go wrong” or “It’s just a quick trip.” But if there’s anything I’ve learned from being in the travel world, it’s that the unexpected doesn’t care how organised you are. Flights get cancelled. Bags go missing. People get sick. Things happen. And when they do? Having the right cover makes all the difference.
Real talk: things go wrong more often than you'd think
Here’s a real example. One of my clients was heading to Italy last summer for a much-anticipated anniversary trip. Everything was booked--Vatican tours, vineyard tastings, romantic dinners in Florence. Two days before departure, she ended up in hospital with appendicitis.
No travel insurance.
Cue a total loss of flights, hotels, tours, and transfers. Thousands gone in a blink.
On the flip side, I’ve had another client whose flight got massively delayed due to bad weather. Their bags didn’t arrive for three days. But they had insurance, got reimbursed for essentials, and spent their first evening in Paris shopping for clothes with a smile on their face, rather than stressing out.
It’s not just about medical emergencies
Yes, the medical side is important—especially if you're travelling somewhere like the US, where even a quick trip to urgent care can cost hundreds. But travel insurance covers way more than that:
• Cancelled flights • Missed connections • Lost luggage • Stolen items • Natural disasters • Strikes and airline collapses • Unexpected family emergencies back home
Even things like needing to cut your trip short because of a death in the family—that’s all covered under a good policy. But what if I already get cover with my credit card?
I hear this one a lot.
Some credit cards do offer basic travel cover, which is great. But the key word there is basic. Often it has limited medical coverage, short trip durations, or doesn’t include pre-paid excursions or cancellations for personal reasons.
Always read the fine print. If your card’s policy doesn’t give you what you need, top it up with a proper standalone plan.
Peace of mind = priceless
If you’re spending good money on a trip--whether it’s a solo group adventure through Morocco or a luxury family holiday to the Amalfi Coast--you want to enjoy it, not worry about “what ifs.”
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind. You can go zip-lining in Costa Rica, sailing the Dalmatian Coast, or hiking through Slovenia knowing that if something goes off-track, you’re not alone (or out of pocket).
And let’s be honest—when you’re travelling with family or a partner, you want to know everyone’s protected. Especially if someone gets sick or hurt. You don’t want to be in a foreign country trying to figure out how to pay for an ambulance or last-minute flights home.
Some tips when choosing a policy:
• Check cancellation cover: Does it reimburse non-refundable deposits or pre-paid activities? • Medical cover: Make sure it includes emergency evacuation and hospital care. • Baggage and belongings: Especially useful if you’re carrying electronics or valuables. • Adventure activities: Planning to ski, dive, or hike? You’ll need a policy that includes those. • Travel delay and missed connection coverage: Handy for long-haul or multi-leg trips.
So... should you book travel insurance?
Honestly, unless you're travelling with unlimited funds and zero responsibilities, the answer is yes. Always.
I know it feels like an optional extra, but it’s really part of responsible, stress-free travel. Think of it as packing your sunscreen: you hope you won’t get burned, but you’ll be really glad it’s there when you need it.
And if you're not sure what kind of insurance makes sense for your next trip, just ask me. I help clients choose the right cover all the time. It’s one of those little things that can make a huge difference when life throws a curveball.
