The answer for “Is travel insurance worth it?” is far more complex than a simple yes or no. The truth is, most travelers misunderstand what travel insurance is truly for. To do that, you need to understand what travel insurance is truly for.
Many domestic health plans don’t cover you abroad, so in a serious medical emergency, you could face huge costs alone. Medical evacuations alone can cost $50,000 or more. Travel medical plans offer coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency transport, starting at about $1 a day. This protection is essential for peace of mind on your trip.
A traveler shared a story: her friend’s son was in Mexico without travel medical insurance and got appendicitis. The hospital demanded $10,000 upfront before admitting him. While the family tried to gather the money, his appendix burst, turning a simple surgery into a $30,000 emergency operation. This story shows how expensive medical care can be abroad without insurance.
Accidents and emergencies can cause huge bills anywhere, not just abroad. That’s why relying on limited health coverage is very risky.
Finally, the core answer for “Is travel insurance worth it?” depends on your risk tolerance and the financial you’ve made. However, if you are traveling internationally for long-term, taking a highly expensive cruise, or booking a trip far in advance, the cost of protection is small compared to the potential medical bills or lost trip investment.