Confession time! I used to believe that trip insurance was just another unnecessary expense. The idea of spending extra money—sometimes hundreds of dollars—on something as intangible as insurance seemed wasteful to me. My mindset was simple: Why pay for a “what if” when most trips go off without a hitch? If something went wrong, I thought I could figure things out as I went. I didn’t see the value in having a safety net for what I assumed would be a smooth and enjoyable trip.
But all of that changed during a family vacation to Alaska this past summer. It was one of those memorable trips you look forward to for months. We explored the wild beauty of Alaska, from its stunning mountains to its fascinating wildlife. On the day of our return, after spending a lovely morning at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center, we were en route to the Anchorage airport to catch our flight home. That’s when everything started to unravel.
As we drove towards the airport, we found out that there had been a serious accident on the one road leading to Anchorage. With only a single route to the airport and no alternative paths, we were stuck. The road was closed, and the delay wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it would be shut down for the next eight hours.
We missed our flight, and that’s when reality hit. The airline wasn’t going to help us out because the delay wasn’t their fault. The accident that caused the road closure was beyond their control, and so was the problem of us being stranded in Alaska.
Ultimately, we had to shell out an additional $2,000 to arrange a new flight home.
Had I purchased trip insurance, this would have been covered, sparing us the financial and emotional stress of rearranging everything on the fly. I was kicking myself for not having it. This one experience dramatically shifted my perception of trip insurance, and I’ve been a firm believer ever since.
But does that mean trip insurance is always worth it? The answer, as with many things, is: it depends.
When Trip Insurance Might Be Worth It
1. Expensive or Non-Refundable Trips
If you’re booking a high-cost, non-refundable trip, trip insurance can be a lifesaver. Think about situations like cruises, long vacations, or international travel. These kinds of trips often come with steep penalties for cancellations or changes.
A comprehensive insurance policy can help you recoup those costs if you need to adjust or cancel your plans due to unforeseen circumstances, whether it’s a family emergency, work conflict, or natural disaster.
2. Health Concerns
If you or someone in your family has a medical condition that could impact your travel plans, trip insurance is a smart investment. Many policies cover cancellations or interruptions caused by health issues.
Even if no one in your immediate travel group has a chronic illness, accidents or sudden illnesses can happen, and insurance can provide peace of mind.
3. International Travel
Heading overseas? It’s important to know that your domestic health insurance likely won’t cover medical emergencies abroad. Trip insurance can offer vital health coverage while you’re traveling in foreign countries, including emergency medical evacuation if needed.
This can be especially important in regions where healthcare facilities may not be up to the standards you’re used to, or where medical care is expensive for foreigners.
4. Risk of Cancellation
If there’s a possibility that your trip could be canceled for a variety of reasons—whether due to work, personal matters, or weather-related issues—trip insurance can protect you.
Some policies even offer “cancel for any reason” coverage, giving you more flexibility. This is particularly relevant if you’re planning a vacation during a time or in a location prone to disruptions. For example, if you’re headed to the Caribbean during hurricane season, buying trip insurance is a no-brainer.
5. Lost Baggage or Delays
Lost or delayed luggage can put a damper on any trip, especially if you’re traveling with essential or expensive items. While airlines are often responsible for reimbursing lost luggage, the amount and speed of reimbursement can vary greatly. A good trip insurance policy can help cover costs if your bags go missing or if you’re stuck in transit due to unforeseen delays.
When Trip Insurance Might Not Be Worth It
1. Low-Cost or Refundable Trips
If your trip is relatively inexpensive or fully refundable, insurance might be unnecessary. For a quick weekend getaway or a flight that offers easy rebooking options, the cost of insurance could outweigh the potential benefits. In these cases, you may be better off saving your money and taking the small risk.
2. Existing Coverage
Before you buy a separate trip insurance policy, check your credit card benefits. Many credit cards offer built-in travel protections, including coverage for cancellations, delays, and lost luggage. If your card offers this type of protection, you might not need to pay for additional insurance.
3. High Premiums Relative to the Trip
Sometimes the insurance premium can be a large percentage of your total trip cost. If you’re spending a significant chunk of your budget on insurance for a lower-cost trip, it might not be worth the expense. Be sure to weigh the cost of the premium against the potential risks you’re insuring against.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision to buy trip insurance comes down to your individual risk tolerance, the nature of your trip, and how much peace of mind matters to you. For expensive or complex travel plans, insurance is a safeguard that can protect you from losing money and encountering headaches in the face of the unexpected.
Having learned from my own experience, I now consider trip insurance a must for any big adventure. Knowing that I have a safety net in case things go sideways allows me to focus on enjoying my trip rather than worrying about what could go wrong.
If you decide to go for trip insurance, we at Butler Travel recommend looking at reputable providers like Travel Guard and Travel Safe. While they may not always be the cheapest, they process and pay out claims quickly—something that can make a world of difference when you need it the most.
In the end, trip insurance isn’t just about protecting your money; it’s about safeguarding your peace of mind. And for me, that’s priceless.
Have any questions about travel insurance or would like a quote? Give us a call or send us an email. We’d be happy to help.