Why You Should Never Travel Internationally Without Travel Insurance
When my family or I travel internationally, I always purchase travel insurance, regardless of age, destination, or length of trip.Not because I expect something to go wrong. But because I understand what can happen if it does.
Travel insurance is one of the most misunderstood parts of trip planning. Many travelers assume weather events or political unrest automatically result in refunds. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Weather & Political Unrest Do NOT Automatically Equal Refunds
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
“If there’s a storm or political unrest, the airline or hotel will refund me.”
Sometimes they will. Often they won’t. And even when they do, it may be in the form of a credit, not a cash refund.
Coverage depends entirely on:
- The specific travel insurance policy purchased
- The timing of when you purchased it
- The reason for cancellation
- Whether the event meets the policy’s definition of a covered event
Not all policies are created equal. And not all “travel protection” is comprehensive coverage.
My Biggest Concern Isn’t Trip Delays — It’s Medical Care Abroad
Cancellations are inconvenient. Medical emergencies overseas can be financially devastating.
Most U.S. health insurance plans provide limited — or no — coverage internationally. Medicare does not typically cover care outside the United States. Even if coverage exists, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
A medical situation abroad can involve:
- Emergency hospital stays
- Surgery or specialized treatment
- Air ambulance or medical evacuation
- Transportation home for continued care
Extended lodging if you can’t travel
Medical evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
I enjoy spending money on meaningful travel experiences — incredible meals, unique tours, boutique hotels. What I do not want is a medical event draining our savings.
Travel Insurance Is About Risk Management — Not Fear
Purchasing travel insurance doesn’t mean you expect something to go wrong.
It means you understand:
- Travel involves variables
- International healthcare systems are different
- Emergencies don’t check your calendar
- Protecting your investment matters
It’s about peace of mind.
What I Look for in an International Travel Insurance Policy
One of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of travel insurance is how it handles pre-existing medical conditions. Many policies exclude them by default. However, some plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver if you purchase coverage within a specific window of time after making your initial trip deposit (often 10–21 days).
This is incredibly important if you or a family member has any ongoing medical history — even something well managed. Without the proper waiver in place, claims related to that condition may not be covered. It’s one more reason I encourage travelers not to wait until the last minute to think about insurance.
When reviewing policies, I pay close attention to:
✔ Emergency medical coverage limits
✔ Medical evacuation coverage
✔ Trip interruption coverage
✔ Coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
✔ 24/7 emergency assistance services
✔ “Cancel for Any Reason” options (when appropriate)
The right policy depends on:
- Destination
- Trip cost
- Age of travelers
- Health considerations
- Risk tolerance
There is no one-size-fits-all plan.
A Travel Advisor’s Perspective
As someone who plans international trips regularly, I’ve seen firsthand how insurance makes the difference between: a stressful situation becoming manageable versus a stressful situation becoming financially overwhelming
Political unrest and weather disruptions may cancel trips.
But without proper coverage, they don’t automatically reimburse them.
And while flight delays are frustrating, medical emergencies are the real financial wildcard.
What I use
You don’t need to purchase the travel insurance from the same supplier that your purchased your trip from. I don’t.
Faye is my preferred travel insurance. It is user friendly and easy to understand. The clients that have had to make claims, say they are very responsive and helpful. Please reach out if you would like assistance with setting up your coverage, or use this link to explore it yourself.
When covering minors on a trip, Allianz is a great option. I like it because on the plans I have purchased, anyone under 18 can be added on the policy free of charge with a paid adult. Also, they offer annual coverage for all of your domestic and international travel within a one year time period. Contact me for a quote with Allianz