You’re planning an international trip, booking your flight, and packing your bags—but should you get travel insurance before flying abroad? While it may feel optional, travel insurance can be a financial lifesaver if things go wrong. Let’s break down when it’s worth it and what to look for.
What Travel Insurance Typically Covers
Travel insurance policies vary, but common coverage includes:
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimbursement if your trip is canceled due to illness, emergency, or airline issues
- Medical emergencies: Coverage for treatment abroad if you get sick or injured
- Lost baggage: Compensation for delayed, lost, or stolen luggage
- Flight delays or missed connections: Reimbursement for hotel and food expenses
- Emergency evacuation: Transport if you need to be flown home in a crisis
Pros of Buying Travel Insurance
- Peace of mind—especially when traveling to unfamiliar countries
- Protects against non-refundable ticket loss
- Some countries (e.g., Thailand, UAE) may require proof of travel insurance
When You Might Skip It
There are cases where travel insurance may not be necessary:
- Your credit card already includes travel coverage (check the fine print)
- Your trip is short and low-cost, and you’re willing to risk it
- You’re not crossing borders or facing complex health risks
Tip: Don’t Buy It from Airlines
When booking flights, airlines will often offer insurance add-ons—but these tend to be more expensive and less comprehensive. Use trusted aggregators or third-party providers instead for better value.
Where to Buy Affordable Travel Insurance
Use platforms like TravellTrade or compare providers via TravelPayouts-affiliated links. You can also explore dedicated insurers like:
- World Nomads
- Allianz Travel
- SafetyWing (great for digital nomads)
Conclusion
Travel insurance might feel like an unnecessary cost—until you actually need it. For international trips, especially those involving long-haul flights, multiple bookings, or unfamiliar destinations, it’s usually a wise investment. Book your flights with TravellTrade and consider securing travel insurance right after for full protection.
