As someone who travels sometimes solo, or with my daughter, my suitcase isn’t the only thing I make sure is in order before a trip. Yes, I plan my outfits. Yes, I obsess over the itinerary, but my real first step after booking a flight or cruise? Securing travel insurance. Because cute sandals won’t help you if you break your ankle on an ATV in Costa Rica. And your matching mother and daughter outfits won’t mean a thing if one of you ends up needing emergency care in another country.
I always turn to Travel Insured International. It’s been my go to for years. It’s affordable, reliable, and has come through when it counted. But I didn’t get serious about travel insurance just because I like paperwork. I’ve seen too many horror stories online and in real life from people who thought they didn’t need it… until they really did.
Like that viral story of the woman who had a stroke on a cruise and had to be airlifted off the ship, only to find out she didn’t have international coverage. Or the family whose toddler got seriously sick abroad and had to pay out of pocket for tens of thousands of dollars because their U.S. health insurance didn’t cover overseas care. These stories remind me why travel insurance is a must, not a maybe. I don’t play about me and mine safety.
You may be reading this thinking, “Oh I’m healthy, I travel often, I don’t need this.” Why waste money on a what if? But let me ask you, do you say that when it comes to car insurance? Or your home insurance? Exactly! Insurance is there for the what if. And when you’re in another country, they’ve got their own rules, laws, and systems. What flies in the U.S. might not mean a thing abroad. The goal is to go on vacation, have a time, and make it back home safe and sound. Don’t let a medical emergency or unexpected mishap catch you slipping. Let’s continue.
What Is Travel Insurance and Why Do You Need It?
Travel insurance is basically your safety net when you’re out living your best life far from home. It covers a range of unexpected things like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, delays, and even emergency evacuations. Whether you’re flying to another country or hopping on a cruise, you’re stepping into the unknown and that’s where insurance comes in.
Think of it like this, your regular health insurance might not work abroad, and the airline isn’t responsible if your bags disappear into the travel void. If you’re stuck overseas with a broken ankle or a sudden illness, that hospital bill will be coming out of your pocket, unless you’re covered. And don’t even get me started on cruise ships, where international waters can get tricky real quick.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind. It’s not just about “if something happens,” it’s about knowing you’ve got backup if it does. Here are some I recommend to you that are for the budget friendly ones with still good coverage and the ones who are premium.
My Top Travel Insurance Providers I Recommend
Not all travel insurance is created equal and not everyone’s budget or needs are the same. Here are my top picks based on value, flexibility, and real world experiences:
💸 Affordable Picks
Travel Insured International: This one’s my personal go to. I’ve used them for a few international trips and cruises, and I’ve had nothing but a smooth experience. Their plans are affordable , and they don’t skimp on coverage.
Seven Corners: Great for travelers who want to customize their plan without breaking the bank. Their “Wander Frequent Traveler” option is clutch if you travel often throughout the year.
🔐 Top Notch Coverage
World Nomads: If you’re the kind of traveler who’s hiking volcanoes, ATV riding, or doing anything with a little thrill, this one’s for you. They’re known for strong adventure sports coverage.
Allianz Global Assistance: Considered one of the most trusted companies globally, Allianz is ideal for those who want strong medical and trip cancellation benefits, especially on long or expensive trips.
Travel Insurance for Cruises: What You Need to Know
Cruising isn’t the same as flying somewhere and booking a hotel. Once you’re out at sea, you’re in international waters, which means your personal health insurance may not cover you. And let’s be real: if something goes left while you’re onboard, that floating hospital visit can come with a floating bill too. You can be 12 miles from a port and your personal insurance won’t cover you.
Cruise travel also comes with unique challenges:
•Missed or skipped ports (it happens more often than you think)
•Onboard medical care with limited facilities
•Delays due to weather
• Needing evacuation or transport back to the mainland
Travelex Insurance Services – Known for cruise specific plans that cover missed connections and onboard care.
Travel Guard by AIG – Offers strong trip delay and emergency evacuation coverage for cruisers.
Nationwide Cruise Insurance – Specifically designed with cruisers in mind, including port of call protections.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – Their “ExactCare” plans offer quick claims and solid cruise add-ons.
Allianz Global Assistance – Yes, again! They offer cruise-focused upgrades and excellent emergency response resources.
Why Can’t I Just Buy Insurance Through the Cruise Line?
You can buy travel insurance through your cruise line and many people do. I have myself. But here’s the catch, cruise line insurance is like buying a store brand charger for your phone. It will probably work… but it won’t always give you the fastest charge, and it won’t always cover everything you actually need.
Pros of Buying Cruise Line Insurance
Convenient: It’s right there at checkout. Easy, one click add on. Tied to your booking, and if your cruise gets canceled or delayed by them, their policy usually kicks in quick. Sometimes cheaper upfront. The basic coverage may look more affordable but that’s usually because it’s basic.
⚠️ Cons of Cruise Line Insurance
Limited medical coverage: Many cruise line policies cap emergency medical benefits at a lower amount than third party insurers.
Lack of flexibility: Their policies usually only cover issues directly related to the cruise, not your flights, pre-post hotel stays, or excursions you booked yourself. Claim process may be slower if something goes wrong on the cruise, they may want to investigate first. You’re also dealing with the same company you’re trying to make a claim against, which can be tricky.
Less protection if you cancel for your own reasons: Third party plans often offer “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) add ons and cruise line insurance rarely does.
If your cruise is short, basic, and you didn’t add on flights or pre travel extras, then the cruise line’s policy might work fine. But if you’ve invested in airfare, hotel stays, and excursions or you’re traveling with kids, elders, or anyone with health concerns, go with a third party provider. It’s usually more protective , more flexible, and covers more situations outside the cruise line control.
But I Have a Travel Credit Card
If you’ve got a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture, you might be thinking: “Why buy insurance when my card already covers travel stuff?” And hey, you’re not wrong to ask. But here’s the full picture:
What Travel Credit Cards Usually Cover:
Trip cancellation or interruption (if you booked the trip with the card). Baggage delay and loss Rental car coverage.
That’s great for minor hiccups like a delayed flight or lost luggage. But when it comes to serious medical emergencies, international hospital visits, or canceling a trip for personal reasons, that’s where the card coverage falls short. Still , get those points! Think of it like bringing a hoodie to a snowstorm. It might help, but don’t skip the coat .
You Got The Coverage, Now You Need To File A Claim:
1. Know Your Policy Before You Go
Take 10 minutes to read the fine print. Know what’s covered, what’s not, and what paperwork you’ll need. Don’t wait until something bad hits to start flipping pages. Do what I do, copy past into chat gbt. Ask it to explain it to you like a 5th grader.
2. Document Everything
Receipts, emails, screenshots, boarding passes, doctor notes, save it all. I honestly would go as far as recording conversations with doctors or nurses. When you are talking hundreds of dollars, every receipt counts.
3. Report It ASAP
If your luggage gets lost or your trip gets delayed, report it immediately, at the airport, with your hotel, or to the travel insurance provider. Don’t wait until you’re back home to speak up.
4. File Quickly and Thoroughly
Most insurers give you a tight window like 20-30 days post-trip to submit your claim. Include every document and give the full story. Don’t lie! Please don’t lie. These are people who investigate claims on a regular. Missing info or lying is a fast way to get denied.
5. Be Clear, Calm, and Complete
Treat it like a mini legal claim. Stick to facts, keep it professional, and don’t leave blanks. Even small omissions can delay or kill your payout.
Stupid Myths You Need to Stop Believing
•I’m healthy, I don’t need travel insurance.
•The airline will refund me
•I can just buy it the day before I leave
•My credit card covers everything
•Insurance companies don’t pay claims anyway
Real Coverage, Real Peace of Mind
For my previous trip, I used Travel Insured International to cover both myself and my 12 year-old. The total cost for our policy was just $49, and it covered everything from trip cancellation and delay to $100,000 in medical coverage and $1 million in emergency evacuation. It even included perks like missed connection coverage, political evacuation, and baggage delay reimbursement. I didn’t have to file a claim (thankfully!), but knowing we were protected gave me serious peace of mind while traveling internationally as a mom.
$49 for all that? You’re probably thinking what’s the catch? But there really wasn’t one. That was just the basic and covered trip cancellation, trip delay, missed cruise or tour connections, $100,000 in medical coverage, $1 million in emergency evacuation, and even political evacuation, baggage delay, and pet kennel coverage (yep, even that).
Listen, travel is one of the best investments you can make in your life. Some of us save up to travel. But while you’re planning the fun stuff , the excursions, outfits, and restaurants , don’t skip the safety part. Travel insurance isn’t just a formality, it’s my peace of mind. Whether you’re hopping on a cruise, flying internationally, or just taking a weekend trip with your kid, protect yourself. You never want to be the person stuck in a foreign country with a medical emergency and no support. I know me, I have a weak immune system. So on top of me having my medicine and vitamins, I’m no fool.
Trust me , for less than the cost of dinner and drinks, you can make sure you’re covered if life happens. You’ll be glad you didn’t skip it.
Travel W/ Superior Sista https://square.link/u/q6mydNDs
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