Why Travel Insurance Matters: Protecting Your Adventures Before They Begin

Source: Dirk Ebener

• Experience Without Claims – Despite traveling to over 60 countries, you’ve never personally had to use travel insurance.
  

• The Value of Preparedness – Travel insurance provides peace of mind and protection against the unexpected, from medical emergencies to lost luggage.

  
  

I always hope travel insurance isn’t needed, but I strongly recommend getting it before every trip. It’s a safety net that lets you explore the world with confidence, knowing you’re protected if something unexpected happens.

I have been fortunate to travel internationally for decades, visiting over 60 countries on nearly every continent. I have sampled street food in bustling Asian markets, explored quiet European villages, and wandered vibrant South American cities. Throughout, one thing has stayed the same: I have never needed travel insurance. Flights were delayed, bags took detours, and minor hiccups occurred, but nothing left me financially stranded or needing urgent medical care.

Still, the older I get, and the more I see of the world, the more I realize just how essential travel insurance really is. The truth is, no one ever expects their trip to be interrupted by a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or even something as simple as a lost passport. It is easy to plan for an adventure, but we rarely plan for the unexpected.

For years, I counted on good luck and careful planning to keep my trips on track. But luck isn’t something you should rely on. That’s why I now always suggest getting travel insurance before going abroad. It’s not about being afraid—it’s about being prepared.

Travel insurance is like peace of mind you can carry with you, letting you focus on exploring instead of worrying. You might never need it, and I hope you don’t, but having it is like carrying a safety net that helps you travel with confidence anywhere in the world.

An Introduction from the Road

There is something electrifying about packing a suitcase the night before a trip. The hum of zippers, the buzz of anticipation, the thrill of wondering what flavors, sights, and sounds await. For me, travel is a dance between discovery and planning. I've stood in crowded food markets in Shanghai, tasting dumplings fresh from the steamer. I've wandered cobblestone streets in Florence, where every gelato shop promised another scoop of perfection.

But I have also been stranded. Once, I arrived in Frankfurt on a layover only to find my connecting flight to Milan canceled. Guess where my suitcase was. Hours of waiting became a night of uncertainty. Another time, traveling in South America, a friend’s bag was stolen—passport, phone, and hotel reservations gone. Stressful, expensive, unforgettable—but not how anyone wants a trip to be.

That experience made me realize travel insurance is something you should choose on purpose for every trip. Now, I recommend researching and buying the coverage that fits your needs, so your food and travel adventures are protected if something unexpected comes up.

Do You Already Have Travel Insurance? Check Your Credit Cards

Before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy, check your credit card benefits. Many travel-focused credit cards offer complimentary insurance when used to book flights, hotels, or rental cars. While coverage is often limited, it can save you from unnecessary duplication.

Here are some common benefits found with credit card–affiliated insurance:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimbursement if illness, accidents, or covered events force you to cancel or cut short your trip.

• Lost or Delayed Baggage: Compensation for essentials if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed. Consider creating an inventory of your most important items in case you need to communicate the essentials in a country far from home.

• Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage in the case of accidental injury or death while traveling.

• Rental Car Insurance: Secondary coverage (sometimes primary) for rental vehicles booked with the card.

• Emergency Assistance: Access to a hotline for medical or travel emergencies.

Popular cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture X, often include these benefits. This is crucial, as each card has fine print. You might need to book the entire trip on the card, file claims within a short window, or face dollar limits that don’t cover larger emergencies. Be sure to keep all your receipts, or even better, scan them as you go. 

Key tips for protecting your travels: Create an inventory of the essential items you’re taking so you can communicate what you need if you find yourself far away from home. Also, consider these medical tips. 

• Connect with your doctor or pharmacist and obtain a list of comparable medications available in the country or countries you are traveling to. Make sure they are translated before you leave.

• Does your medical plan back home cover your situation abroad?

• Does your current health insurance have an affiliated system outside the USA? If so, make sure that you can connect if needed.

• Can you connect a doctor overseas with someone in your medical network to discuss potential medical situations?

Types of Separate Travel Insurance

If your credit card’s coverage is insufficient or you don't have a qualifying card, consider stand-alone travel insurance. Here are the main types:

1. Baggage and Personal Belongings Insurance

   Covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items.

2. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

   Protects prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel for a covered reason such as illness, natural disaster, or unforeseen emergencies.

3. Medical Travel Insurance

   Covers medical costs if you get sick or injured abroad—often essential since your domestic health plan may not cover you overseas.

4. Emergency Evacuation Insurance

   Provides transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back home, which can be extremely costly without insurance.

5. Comprehensive Plans

   A bundle that includes all of the above gives you peace of mind for almost every type of disruption.

Five Travel Insurance Options Worth Considering

When it comes to providers, the best fit depends on your travel style, age, destination, and budget. Here are five well-regarded options:

1. Allianz Global Assistance

   • Offers single-trip, annual, and specialty plans.

   • Known for wide availability and partnerships with airlines and booking platforms.

2. Travel Guard (AIG)

   • Flexible plan levels (silver, gold, platinum).

   • Strong trip cancellation and medical coverage options are available.

3. World Nomads

   • Popular with adventure travelers.

   • Covers activities like hiking, scuba diving, and even bungee jumping.

4. AXA Assistance USA

   • Comprehensive coverage with 24/7 worldwide assistance.

   • Offers strong medical and evacuation coverage.

5. Generali Global Assistance

   • Good for families and group travel.

   • Includes trip interruption, baggage protection, and travel delay benefits.

What You Need to Know About Coverage

Choosing insurance can feel like deciphering a puzzle. Here are key things to keep in mind:

• Read the exclusions. Not every reason for cancellation is covered. Fear of travel, political unrest, or pre-existing conditions may not be covered unless you purchase special add-ons.

• Understand Limits: A $500 baggage limit may not replace your laptop and camera gear.

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Many policies exclude them unless you purchase a waiver within a certain time frame after booking.

• Adventure Activities: Planning to ski the Alps or snorkel in Bali? Standard plans might not cover accidents during “extreme” activities.

• Length of coverage matters. Some policies are per trip; others cover you for an entire year if you’re a frequent traveler.

What to Do When You Need to Use Travel Insurance

Filing a claim can feel overwhelming if you’re already stressed. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Document Everything: Keep receipts, police reports, airline correspondence, and medical bills. These are essential for claims.

2. Contact the Provider Immediately: Most insurers have 24/7 hotlines; use them as soon as the incident occurs.

3. Follow the Procedure: Fill out the claim forms completely, attach all necessary documentation, and submit them within the specified timeframe.

4. Stay Patient but Persistent: Claims can take time to process. Check the status regularly and provide any additional documentation promptly.

5. Keep Digital Copies: Store photos of important documents in cloud storage so you can access them if your belongings are stolen.

Food for Thought on Travel Insurance

So why tie this conversation to food travel? Because travel insurance, like food, is about comfort and security. A bowl of steaming ramen in Tokyo offers warmth and assurance at the end of a long day. Travel insurance provides the same comfort and quiet protection that helps you focus on what matters: enjoying the flavors, sights, and stories of your destination.

Final Thoughts: A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference

At the end of the day, travel insurance is like carrying a backup credit card or an extra phone charger; it feels unnecessary until the moment you need it. And when you do, it can transform disaster into inconvenience, helping you return to the heart of your journey: exploring the world one bite at a time.

As you plan your next trip, whether it’s chasing street food in Mexico City, sipping whisky in the Scottish Highlands, or wandering through hidden cafés in Lisbon, take a moment to consider insurance. It’s not just about protecting your wallet; it’s about protecting the experience itself.

So pack your bags, chase new flavors, and let your adventures begin. With travel insurance, you can set out with confidence, knowing the world is ready for you and you’re protected along the way.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information to help travelers better understand travel insurance. I do not receive compensation from any companies or providers mentioned. Coverage varies widely, so always review the specific terms of your policy and consult with your insurance provider or credit card company before making any final decisions.

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Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

Follow the journey on Instagram @FoodBloggerJourneys.

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