Why Travel Insurance Is a Must-Have for Every Traveler
Before my own travel nightmare, I never gave much thought to travel insurance. I assumed it was just another unnecessary expense—something that only cautious travelers bothered with. After all, what were the odds that something serious would happen to me?
Then, reality hit.
My Personal Travel Emergency
While flying from Paris to Amsterdam with my daughter, I suddenly became very sick. A kidney stone had dislodged and completely blocked my kidney, causing hydronephrosis, a painful condition where the kidney swells due to trapped urine. The pain was unbearable, and I started vomiting uncontrollably. I was grounded in Amsterdam, unable to continue my trip.
Thankfully, I received free medical treatment at a hospital in the Netherlands, but it was only temporary relief. They managed my pain and stabilized me, but without surgery or a way to remove the stone, I was still in serious distress. I had no choice but to endure the discomfort until I could get home, where I eventually underwent lithotripsy (a procedure to break up kidney stones).
The experience was miserable. But what scared me the most was realizing what could have happened if I had needed emergency surgery or a medical evacuation back to the U.S. Without travel insurance, I would have been stuck with a massive medical bill—one that could have easily cost thousands of dollars.
What If the Worst Happens?
Many travelers don’t think about what could go wrong while traveling. But the truth is, unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or even natural disasters can completely ruin a trip—and your bank account.
Here are just a few real-life situations where travel insurance can be a lifesaver:
Medical Emergencies – If you get injured or sick abroad, hospital visits, medications, and treatments can be extremely expensive. Some countries require payment upfront before treating foreigners.
Emergency Evacuations – If you need to be medically transported home, the cost can range from $25,000 to $250,000—and most health insurance plans don’t cover this.
Trip Cancellations & Interruptions – If you have to cancel your trip due to an illness, family emergency, or other unforeseen event, travel insurance can help you recover non-refundable costs.
Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Luggage – If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you for essential purchases.
Weather & Natural Disasters – If a hurricane, earthquake, or other disaster affects your destination, travel insurance can cover trip cancellations or delays.
Where to Get Travel Insurance
After my experience, I never travel without insurance, and I always recommend it to others. One of the best places to find affordable, comprehensive coverage is TravelInsurance.com. They offer:
✔ Affordable rates
✔ Over 115,000 5-star reviews
✔ $3.5 billion in trip costs protected
✔ A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
For just a small investment, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Extra Safety Tip: Sign Up for STEP
In addition to getting travel insurance, I highly recommend signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. This free program provides:
Travel alerts and safety updates about your destination
Emergency assistance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
A way for your family to contact you in case of an emergency
It only takes a few minutes to enroll, and it’s one of the best things you can do to stay informed and protected while traveling.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip Travel Insurance!
If you’re serious about traveling smart and stress-free, don’t make the mistake of skipping travel insurance. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost baggage, you never know when you’ll need coverage.
Take it from me—when the unexpected happens, you’ll be so glad you have it. Safe travels!
