Travel has always been my passion. Exploring new places, meeting different people, and discovering culture is what makes life exciting. But on one trip in Thailand, I learned a powerful lesson about why travel insurance is not just a good idea—it’s a must-have.

When I landed in Phuket, Thailand, I was full of excitement for my trip. But almost immediately after I got off the plane, I started feeling really sick—fever, chills, and then terrible stomach pains that wouldn’t go away. It got so bad that I had to rush to the hospital. Those hours were some of the scariest moments of my life, lying in a foreign hospital, not knowing what was wrong, or how much it would cost.

Luckily, I had travel insurance. It covered all the hospital bills and medical care, so I didn’t have to worry about the money while I focused on getting better. Traveling without that kind of protection? I can’t even imagine.

Just when I thought my troubles were behind me and I was on my way to the airport to fly back home to Vietnam, something else happened. On the way, I was attacked by ladyboys who sprayed pepper spray to steal my luggage. It was shocking, frightening, and completely unexpected. If I hadn’t had insurance, the loss of my belongings—passport, phone, everything—would have caused so much more trouble.

This trip taught me the hard way: travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s an absolute lifesaver. After coming back home, I got refunded for $3,500 for all bills and lost belongings. Without insurance, paying for hospital stays or stolen luggage ruined my savings.

The peace of mind travel insurance gives you is priceless. For less than 5% of your trip cost, you get a safety net that lets you focus on enjoying the journey. So, before your next adventure, do yourself a favor of getting travel insurance. It could save you from danger and stress you didn’t even expect.