Why Travel Insurance Matters More Than Ever in 2025
- chasingmemoriesco
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that disasters don’t check your calendar before they strike. From earthquakes in the Philippines to floods in China, wildfires in California, and even a glacier collapse in Switzerland, this year has proven one thing loud and clear:
It doesn’t matter where you travel anymore — life can change in an instant.
And while you can’t stop natural disasters or political unrest, you can protect yourself and your family with the right steps before you leave home.
My Honest Take as a Traveling Mom
I’ll be real with you: the world feels heavier and harder every day. News headlines seem to hit us nonstop with one crisis after another.
But travel? Travel brings life to my soul. It reminds me that even in the middle of a crazy, anxious world, there are still beautiful places to see, kind people to meet, and connections to make. It’s what gives me hope.
That said, I’m also an anxious traveler—especially because I’m often traveling with my kids. I know firsthand the weight of being responsible for their safety while also trying to give them the joy of exploring the world.
That’s why having a travel insurance policy I can truly trust has become non-negotiable for me. Knowing that I can pick up the phone and call a 24/7 help line if disaster strikes makes me feel grounded. It’s the safety net that lets me say “yes” to travel again and again.
👉 I personally use Travel Insured for this reason, and I wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t rely on them myself.
Major Natural Disasters of 2025 (So Far)
Here are just a few examples from this year alone:
Philippines Earthquake (September 2025) — A 6.9-magnitude quake hit Cebu province, killing more than 60 people, injuring many more, and causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, and homes. Hundreds of aftershocks left both locals and travelers on edge.
Myanmar Earthquake (March 2025) — A 7.7 quake near Mandalay left thousands dead and billions in damages.
Kamchatka Earthquake (July 2025) — A massive 8.8 quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific.
Queensland Floods, Australia (Early 2025) — Severe flooding killed dozens, destroyed infrastructure, and disrupted travel throughout the region.
Mokwa Flood, Nigeria (May 2025) — Over 500 lives lost and thousands displaced in devastating flash floods.
Wildfires in Los Angeles (Summer 2025) — Among the costliest disasters this year, destroying homes and causing billions in insured losses.
Glacier Collapse in Switzerland (May 2025) — Entire villages evacuated after a glacier broke apart, sending a torrent of ice and debris downhill.
These aren’t isolated events. They’re a reminder that travel safety isn’t about paranoia — it’s about preparation.
Two Steps Every Traveler Should Take Before Leaving Home
1. Enroll in the U.S. State Department STEP Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is free and simple. It lets the State Department know where you are, so if a natural disaster or political unrest hits, they can contact you and account for your safety. It also ensures you get real-time updates about conditions in your destination.
Think of it as your direct line to emergency alerts and government assistance when you need it most. However, the government is NOT responsible for paying for your transportation or evacuation if needed. (That's where travel insurance comes in for the win!)
Most people think travel insurance is only about canceling a flight or replacing lost luggage. But the truth is, the most critical benefit is emergency evacuation during natural disasters or political unrest.
When the unexpected happens, you don’t want to scramble. You want to make one call to a 24/7 help line and have evacuation plans arranged for you.
And here’s the key: not all insurance policies cover this.
That’s why I personally only trust Travel Insured. They’re the company I use for my own family because they consistently provide coverage for both natural disasters and political unrest. I haven't seen any other company that does this.
Why This Matters for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, the stakes are even higher. It’s not just about missed tours or canceled flights — it’s about knowing that if something goes wrong, your family has a plan.
That peace of mind is priceless, especially when you’re far from home and vulnerable to events beyond your control.
👉 This is why I always recommend Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe or Platinum plans. They cover the big stuff like evacuation, medical emergencies, and interruptions from disasters.
Final Thoughts
Disasters can’t be predicted, but your response to them can be planned.
✔️ Enroll in STEP.
✔️ Get a comprehensive travel insurance policy with emergency evacuation.
✔️ Know that when disaster strikes, you’re prepared — not panicked.
Because travel safety isn’t about avoiding risk. It’s about being ready so you can keep focusing on what really matters: chasing memories with the people you love.
💡 Ready to feel confident before your next trip? Check out my favorite provider HERE
*This post contains affilliate links that are at no cost to you, but help me support my small business and family, which I really appreciate.
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