Why Travel Insurance Is the One Thing You Should Always Pack
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t think about travel insurance when we’re planning a trip. We get excited about flights, hotels, tours, and what to wear. But what happens when things don’t go as planned?
From personal experience, I can tell you: travel insurance isn’t just something “extra”. It can save your trip and your wallet. So if you’ve ever asked, “Do I really need travel insurance?” my answer is simple: yes, you do.
When I Got Sick on Day Two in Thailand
One of my worst travel health experiences happened in Thailand. It all started with the plane’s AC; it was freezing. I spent the flight shivering under the blanket. Not a big deal, right?
Well, by the second day in Thailand, I was seriously sick. High fever, painful throat, I could barely get out of bed. I had to visit a doctor, take tablets, and spend three full days in bed at the beginning of my tropical holiday. Meanwhile, my friend went to the beach alone.
The only silver lining? I had travel insurance. The doctor’s visit and medication were all covered, and I didn’t have to stress about the cost while feeling terrible in a foreign country.
My Dad’s Experience in Egypt
A similar thing happened to my dad during a trip to Egypt. Just three days before we were supposed to fly back, he suddenly got very sick. A doctor had to come to his hotel room, he got two infusions, and had to rest in bed for days.
When the bill arrived, it was high, much more than we expected. But thanks to travel insurance, everything was taken care of. We didn’t have to worry about paying hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket.
Why Travel Insurance Is Important
Here’s the thing: you never know when something will go wrong on a trip. It might be a sudden illness, food poisoning, a missed flight, lost luggage, or even a minor injury.
Without insurance, these problems can turn your dream trip into a disaster, not just emotionally, but financially too.
That’s why travel insurance is so important. It gives you peace of mind. You hope you never need it, but when you do, you’ll be so grateful it’s there.
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
If you’re traveling to different continents or somewhere close to your country, you do need travel insurance.
Even something small, like needing a doctor for a cold or food poisoning, can cost more than expected, especially in places where tourists often pay more. And if something bigger happens, like an emergency or hospital stay, the costs can be overwhelming.
It’s not just about health; travel insurance can also cover:
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Emergency evacuation
- Accidents or injuries
- Theft or damage of personal items
What I Recommend
If you have a trusted insurance provider in your home country, that’s great, stick with them. But if you don’t, or if you’re already abroad and need coverage, I highly recommend SafetyWing.
It’s one of the most popular international travel insurance options used by many travel bloggers and digital nomads. It’s affordable, flexible, and easy to set up, even if you’re already on the road.
You can get coverage by the month, and they even offer long-term plans for frequent travelers.
Final Thoughts: Is Travel Insurance Needed?
You spend so much time planning your trip, don’t skip the one thing that could actually save it.
I’ve seen firsthand how one unexpected illness can derail your entire holiday. With travel insurance, at least you don’t have to worry about the bills or finding a doctor on your own. You just focus on getting better and enjoying the rest of your trip.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need travel insurance?”, the answer is yes. Always.
