Travel insurance is the thing you hope you never need — but when you do, it’s worth every penny. A broken leg in the US can cost $50,000+, a medical evacuation from Southeast Asia $100,000+. Here’s how to choose the right coverage.
What Travel Insurance Covers
- Medical expenses: Hospital visits, emergency treatment, ambulance
- Emergency evacuation: Air ambulance to nearest adequate medical facility
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable bookings
- Lost/stolen luggage: Replacement costs for belongings
- Flight delays: Accommodation and meal expenses during delays
- Personal liability: If you accidentally injure someone or damage property
Top Providers Compared
| Provider | Best For | Cost (2 weeks) | Medical Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Nomads | Backpackers, adventure activities | $60-120 | $100K-$5M |
| SafetyWing | Digital nomads, long-term travel | $42/month | $250K |
| Allianz | Comprehensive family coverage | $80-150 | $50K-$500K |
| AXA | European travelers | $50-100 | €1M+ |
What to Look For
- Medical coverage minimum: $100,000 for developed countries, $250,000+ for USA
- Adventure activities: Standard policies exclude scuba diving, skiing, motorbike riding. Get add-ons.
- Pre-existing conditions: Many policies exclude them. Declare honestly.
- Deductible/excess: Lower deductible = higher premium, but less out-of-pocket when claiming
- 24/7 emergency assistance: Essential — you need someone to call at 3 AM
How to Claim
- Keep ALL receipts and documentation
- File a police report for theft within 24 hours
- Get medical reports from treating doctors
- Contact your insurer’s emergency line immediately for major incidents
- Submit claim within the policy’s time limit (usually 30-90 days)
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance costs 3-8% of your trip cost. That’s a tiny price for the peace of mind of knowing that a broken ankle in the Alps or a stolen camera in Barcelona won’t financially devastate you.
