Is Travel Insurance Worth It? A Simple Guide
Check out this great blurb from Cruise Brothers on insurance Why Buy Travel Insurance?
So, you planned the perfect trip. How exciting! You’ve probably spent hours picking the perfect destination, booking flights, and dreaming about all the amazing things you’ll do. But has that little nagging thought ever popped into your head: “What if something goes wrong?“
It’s a valid question, especially these days. Life is unpredictable, and travel is no exception. That is where travel insurance comes in. Think of it more like a safety net for your vacation. It’s there to catch you, so you can focus on having the time of your life.
💡 Advisor Insight: As a cruise and all-inclusive specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how a single medical evacuation from the Caribbean can exceed $100,000. There is a policy for everyone, that fits all medical conditions. Do not just look at this as an added expense, look at it as protection.
What Does Travel Insurance Actually Cover?
Let’s be real, things happen. Flights get delayed, bags take a detour to a different continent, or you might get sick right before your big Caribbean Cruise. Without a plan B, these hiccups can cost you a lot of money and stress. Here’s a quick look at what a good travel insurance plan typically covers:
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption: This is a big one. If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (like a sudden illness or family emergency), you can get reimbursed for all those non-refundable hotels and tours you’ve already paid for.
- Medical Emergencies: Your health plan from back home might not pack its bags and travel with you. If you get sick or injured abroad, insurance can cover everything from a visit to the emergency room to a medical evacuation, which can be incredibly expensive otherwise.
- Lost or Delayed Luggage: We’ve all had that sinking feeling at baggage claim. If your luggage is lost, stolen, or seriously delayed, insurance can help you buy essentials so your trip isn’t ruined while you wait.
- Travel Delays: Stuck at the airport for hours because of a storm? Insurance can help cover the cost of an unexpected hotel stay, meals, and other necessities.
Basically, it’s all about giving you peace of mind so you can travel with more confidence and less worry.
Cruise Line Insurance vs. Third-Party Providers
When it comes to vacation insurance, especially for a cruise, you’ll notice that the cruise lines themselves offer a plan. It’s tempting to just check the box, but this is where you really need to compare your options.
The big issue is that built-in cruise insurance often doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a dedicated policy. Finding good travel insurance for pre-existing conditions can be tough, as they’re frequently excluded from these basic plans. On top of that, the limits for medical coverage and emergency evacuation can be much lower than you’d want from true international travel insurance. To really find the right coverage, it’s important to look beyond the cruise line’s offer.
To help you choose the best travel insurance, my Chubb vs. Allianz comparison below focuses on two of the most trusted providers
Chubb Insurance
Chubb is a fantastic choice for travelers prioritizing high-limit coverage, especially for cruises or more adventurous international travel.
Strengths: Often features higher limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation (up to $1,000,000).
Best For: Cruisers, international travelers, and anyone wanting the highest possible safety net for medical events.
Allianz Insurance
Allianz is an all-around powerhouse, known for its flexible plans and excellent support, making it a go-to for many types of trips.
Strengths: Offers a wide variety of plans, including annual/multi-trip options, and is known for strong customer service.
Best For: Families, frequent flyers, and travelers who want a balance of solid coverage and flexible plan options.
Other options exist, of course, but these two strike the right balance for most of my clients: peace of mind, clear terms, and solid coverage where it counts most—including coverage for pre-existing conditions when the plan is purchased within just a few days of your initial trip deposit.
As a trained advisor, I know the crucial deadline for Pre-Existing Condition coverage. To be eligible for the medical exclusion waiver, you must purchase the policy within a time-sensitive window (typically 10-21 days) of your initial trip deposit. Missing this window means your long-term health issues might not be covered! This one detail is why an advisor is non-negotiable.
Think of this as your quick cheat sheet—it’s not about picking the “perfect” plan, it’s about making sure you don’t get caught with gaps when you least expect it.
Updated September 16, 2025
