Do You Need Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip?

chasingmemoriesco
Jan 8
6 min read

Updated: Jul 3

The Ultimate Guide to Deciding on Travel Insurance: Domestic vs. International

When planning your next vacation, travel insurance might not be the first thing on your mind—but it should be! The right policy can save you money, reduce stress, and provide peace of mind. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, the purpose and benefits of travel insurance can vary greatly. Below, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide if travel insurance is the right choice for your next adventure.

TL;DR: Yes, you absolutely need travel insurance—and the primary company I personally trust is Travel Insured. Their incredible customer service, emergency evacuation coverage, and optional bundles for flights or cruises make them ideal for family travel.

👉 Click here to get a quote from Travel Insured

(Using this link supports my small business at no extra cost to you. And I really appreciate your support!)

Why Travel Insurance is Important

Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your trip. These can range from canceled flights to medical emergencies, lost luggage, or even needing an emergency evacuation. But the scope of coverage differs significantly between domestic and international travel, so understanding what you need is essential. People often think "it won't happen to me" but trust me when you need it, you're going to wish you had it.

I’ve researched dozens of travel insurance providers over the years (yes I totally nerd out on this stuff), and the one I now personally use and recommend is Travel Insured. Their plans offer some of the best emergency evacuation coverage, top-notch customer support, and optional add-ons like flight and cruise protection bundles, which are perfect for family or adventure travel. Whether we’re traveling with our kids or heading off on a women’s group trip, Travel Insured is the policy I trust for my own peace of mind.

Comparing Travel Insurance for Domestic and International Travel

To make things clear, I’ve created a detailed table comparing the reasons to buy (or skip) travel insurance for both domestic and international trips, complete with real-life scenarios.

Travel Type	Reasons to Get Travel Insurance	Reasons You Might Skip Travel Insurance
Domestic Travel	- Trip Investment Protection: Covers non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and event tickets if your trip is canceled. Example: You’ve pre-paid for a $2,000 non-refundable resort stay in Florida during hurricane season.	- Lower Financial Risk: Domestic trips are often less expensive, so potential losses may not justify insurance costs. Example: You’re taking a $200 road trip to visit family where accommodations are free.
	- Travel Delays/Interruptions: Reimbursement for delays caused by weather, mechanical issues, or personal emergencies. Example: A snowstorm delays your flight home for 12 hours, requiring an unplanned hotel stay.	- Existing Coverage: Health insurance and credit card benefits may already cover medical and travel-related issues. Example: Your credit card covers trip delays and cancellations, and you have health insurance for emergencies.
	- Medical Emergencies: Covers unexpected out-of-network medical expenses, especially if your insurance is regionally restricted. Example: You break your arm hiking in a remote area with no in-network providers.	- Shorter Distances: Easier access to home or local support networks in emergencies. Example: You’re only a 2-hour drive from home and can return quickly if needed.
	- Peace of Mind: Ideal for travelers who want assurance against unforeseen issues. Example: You’re a nervous traveler who feels more comfortable with coverage for “what ifs.”	- Minimal Planning: For simple or last-minute trips, insurance may not be necessary. Example: You’re taking a spontaneous weekend getaway within your state.
	- Event-Specific Coverage: Useful for high-cost events like weddings, sports games, or conferences. Example: You’re traveling for a non-refundable wedding destination and fear missing it due to illness.	- Flexible Plans: If your bookings are refundable or changeable, insurance may not add significant value. Example: Your hotel and flight offer full refunds or free changes.
International Travel	- Medical Coverage Abroad: Essential for covering medical emergencies in countries where your health insurance doesn’t apply. Example: You require surgery after an accident while on a safari in South Africa.	- Higher Costs: Premiums for international coverage can be expensive for short or low-cost trips. Example: A weekend trip to Canada with no risky activities planned.
	- Emergency Evacuation: Covers medical evacuations to your home country, which can be extremely costly without insurance. Example: You contract a serious illness and need air ambulance transport back to the U.S. from Europe.	- Traveling to Low-Risk Destinations: In familiar or low-risk countries, the need for coverage may feel unnecessary. Example: A trip to the UK, where you can access quality healthcare at lower costs.
	- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Protects against disruptions due to international issues like visa denials or flight cancellations. Example: A visa issue prevents you from boarding your flight to India after pre-paying for tours.	- Overlapping Coverage: Credit cards with travel benefits or existing international insurance might suffice. Example: Your premium credit card offers emergency medical and evacuation coverage. (It's hard to get policy documents from the credit cards to review, but you should always review the policy plans before relying on your credit card protections.
	- Lost/Delayed Baggage: Offers higher reimbursement limits for lost luggage and essential items. Example: Your bag is lost on the way to Japan, and you need clothing and toiletries immediately.	- Low Cost of Items: If you’re traveling light or without valuable items, baggage coverage may not be a priority. Example: A weekend trip with only a carry-on bag containing easily replaceable items.
	- Unfamiliar Healthcare Systems: Provides assistance with navigating medical care in foreign countries. Example: You fall ill in Thailand and need guidance finding an English-speaking doctor.	- Short Trips: For brief travel, the likelihood of needing extensive coverage may be lower. Example: A 3-day business trip to Mexico City with minimal leisure time.
	- Political Risks: Covers mandatory evacuations or disruptions due to unrest or advisories. Example: Civil unrest escalates while you’re in a high-risk destination, requiring emergency evacuation.	- Travel Insurance Exclusions: Some policies may exclude certain destinations, activities, or pre-existing conditions. Example: You’re traveling to a country explicitly excluded by your insurance plan.

Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

Selecting the right travel insurance policy can be daunting, especially with so many options. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Assess Your Needs: Consider the trip’s cost, length, and risks. For international travel, prioritize medical coverage. For domestic travel, focus on trip interruption and cancellation benefits.
Understand the Fine Print: Know what is covered and, more importantly, what isn’t. Look out for exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions or certain destinations. And if you're going to be relying on a policy from your credit card, make sure you get your eyes on their policy documents so you know exactly what's covered and what's not.
Compare Plans: Ensure the coverage limits align with your trip’s value and potential risks.
Check Emergency Services: Choose a policy that includes 24/7 assistance, especially for international trips where language barriers or healthcare systems may be unfamiliar.
Think About Evacuation Needs: Medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars; ensure your policy includes this for international destinations.
Review Cancellation Policies: Look for coverage that protects you against likely disruptions, such as weather, illness, or visa issues.
Don’t Overpay: Avoid unnecessary add-ons if you’re already covered by credit cards or existing health insurance.

🔎 Which Plan Do I Prefer from Travel Insured?

I usually recommend one of these two plans depending on your trip:

🛡️ Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe — perfect for most international trips

🛡️ Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum — ideal for longer or higher-end trips with more coverage for medical and evacuation. I also like that this plan only needs a 3 hour delay before you can access benefits!

Both plans offer cancelation, interruption, medical coverage, lost/delayed luggage, and more. I especially love that you can customize them with bundles (like Cancel For Any Reason, Cruise, Flight Protection, or Theme Park Bundle).

👉 Click here to compare both options and get a quote

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it can be a game-changer when unexpected issues arise. By evaluating your trip’s specifics and potential risks, you can choose a policy that ensures you’re covered—and free to focus on CHASING MEMORIES. Whether you’re road-tripping across the U.S. or jetting off to a far-flung destination, the peace of mind travel insurance provides is often worth the investment.

Need more travel tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for insider advice to make every trip stress-free and unforgettable!

✨ Why I Only Recommend What I Use

Travel Insured is the company I use for every international trip. I’ve had personal experience using their policies (and reaching out to customer service!), and they’ve consistently delivered.

If you choose to get your travel insurance through my link, it costs you nothing extra, but I may earn a small commission. That helps support my small business and family—so thank you! I’ll always be transparent about who I partner with and only recommend what I believe in. And please email me at chasingmemories.co@gmail.com and I'll always be happy to help you with a personalized travel insurance quote.