The quick answer is no, travel insurance is NOT necessary! Nothing bad is going to happen from the perspective of regulations, laws, destination requirements or keep you from arriving at that well-planned vacation paradise. However, read on for the truth about travel insurance.
Is it Wise to Travel Without Travel Insurance?
Do I really need travel insurance? The real answer is it depends! If you are a gambler and you think the odds favor you, maybe the investment in travel insurance is a bet you can win.
We, at Florida Travel Blog, are fortunate enough to travel quite frequently. From short in-state Florida trips to cross-country destinations, and, we get to enjoy international travel two or three times a year.
Based on our experience, we conclude that in many scenarios, it is very unwise and financially silly to ignore the vast benefits of Travel Insurance.
The Truth About Travel Insurance
You do not need to purchase a travel insurance plan for that weekend flight to Key West that may cost you $250. You may not be wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip that has a maximum value of under $1000 and is reasonably close to home.
But here is the rub: Can you afford to handle the costs of a medical condition that may arise during your trip? Can you pay the costs to transport a loved one from your destination to your home? Can you afford to pay extended costs if you must stay for an extended time should an emergency occur?
If you are quite wealthy, you may not be bothered by these costs and unforeseen circumstances. Of course, wealthy people got that way by buying affordable insurance to protect their wealth!
What amazes us is that no one would buy a new $40,000 car and drive it off the lot without insurance. Yet, people book vacations and cruises that may cost as much as that new car PLUS have associated risks that far exceed the original trip costs.
Why Buy Travel Insurance?
We could go on and tell you about what it covers and all the benefits, but we think the following REAL ACCOUNTS give you a better understanding of Travel Insurance.
Scenario Number One (very recently)
A man and his wife were on vacation. They had spent two days at their international destination when the wife became very nauseous and fainted, not once, but twice. Rather urgently, it was decided she must go to a local emergency room for care and determination of her severe symptoms.
A half day at urgent care in a foreign country concluded, after thorough testing, the wife was a victim of dehydration. An IV and lots of water was the cure. All was well and good – except for the $4700 bill!
Scenario Number Two
A New England family of five spent the winter planning a Florida vacation to Orlando. The trip included excursions to Disney World, Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center. With theme park tickets, hotel reservations, and airfare, they had over $12,000 invested before they even left home.
Arrival at their destination hotel was uneventful. At least until the middle child broke a bone in his foot (as children do!). It was serious enough that surgery was required and they had to quickly return home for care under their own medical policy.
The $8,467 dollars they received from the Travel Insurance company not only salvaged their budget, but allowed them to return later to complete their vacation. As a side note, pre-purchased theme park and Kennedy tickets were over $2000 alone.
Scenario Number Three
Just a couple of years ago, a Canadian couple was visiting Clearwater Beach, Florida for their annual month-long winter trip. The man and wife leased a condominium for the month at the cost of $9000.
After a few days in the sun, the man developed a heart condition that needed care. However, their health insurance coverage only included care in Canada. The Medi-Vac situation costs over $40,000. That did not include the cost of the remaining days in the condominium, nor did they have travel insurance!
The story was told a year later by the man who recovered nicely and was back at the beach, but without a healthy chunk of his retirement savings.
Can You Travel Without Health Insurance?
Yes, you can travel without travel insurance. You do so at a risk that a wise man must calculate. Few gamblers ever win on a long-term basis!
What is the cost of travel insurance?
Like other forms of insurance, you have choices of deductibles, travel benefits, length of time and several other insurable options.
Based on our research, travel insurance costs are roughly –
Basic Coverages – flights, hotels, pre-paid expenses, etc. – 5-8% of trip cost depending on deductibles.
Comprehensive Coverages – above items, plus things like health cover, extra travel expenses, emergencies, etc. – 10-18% of total trip costs.
For a quote on your travel needs, try our recommended company, Visitor’s Coverage. They can also place your immediate coverage with the best companies for American and international destinations.
One unique feature from Visitors Coverage is they can offer a comparison of insurance plans and companies. Find out more here.
Common Questions About Travel Insurance
Is Travel Insurance Worth It in 2025?
Insurance protects your nonrefundable vacation investment if the unexpected occurs. But is travel insurance worth it? The answer will depend on whether your trip is refundable, where you’re going, whether you’ll have health coverage at your destination and how much coverage you already get from your credit card.
Can I get a quote for travel insurance for a cruise?
Certainly! You can get a quote for your cruise at Visitors Coverage as well as all parts of your travel plans.
Do we need travel insurance for international travel?
Here is what the US Government says about foreign travel:
The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. For more information on health, visit our page on Your Health Abroad. You should also review the country information page for your destination before you travel.
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
We think travel insurance should be part of planning any international travel.
Is travel insurance still required?
Travel insurance is not required for any popular destinations. However, you must way the risks when planning your trip. You may be able to financially handle small expenses that may occur, but medical emergencies can be extremely costly.
Does travel insurance cover stolen or lost items?
Travel insurance for lost or stolen luggage, personal items and other broad coverages are available. Compare policies and costs at Visitors Coverage.
Author’s Bio – Larry Edger – entrepreneur, business owner, consultant and primary author of Florida Travel Blog. After retiring from the fast-paced business world as President of a title insurance company, Mr. Edger went on to successfully invest and develop restaurants. In addition to restaurants and with a passion for travel and love of Florida, he began documenting fascinating destinations in what is now called Florida Travel Blog. Now Florida Travel Blog is one of the top go-to places on the internet for Florida travel information.
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