We have all been there. You are booking a trip, checking out online, and that little box pops up asking if you want to add travel insurance. It is incredibly tempting to click “No” to save a few dollars.
For years, we rarely thought about trip interruptions. That completely changed for us this past April.
We had a trip to Iceland fully booked. The hotels were reserved, the rental car was confirmed, and our suitcases were sitting by the door. On the morning of our flight, just before heading to the airport, we got a notification from Icelandair. Our flight was canceled due to a massive weather storm arriving in Iceland.
The airline offered to put us on the next flight two days later, but that timeline simply did not work with our schedule. We had to cancel the entire trip. Because we had booked the trip just a few days out and were so sure we were going to make it, I booked a non-refundable hotel and car rental to save money.
Thankfully, the travel insurance included on my credit card stepped in. They refunded the car rental and the hotel, saving us over $1,500.
That experience proved that travel insurance is an absolute necessity. However, we also learned that standard credit card insurance does not cover everything. Here is exactly what you need to know about travel insurance, what it covers, and why we use specialized providers for our bigger adventures.
What Does Travel Insurance Actually Cover?
A good travel insurance policy acts as your safety net for the unpredictable parts of travel. While policies vary, a comprehensive plan typically covers four main areas:
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: If a severe storm grounds your flight, or a sudden illness prevents you from traveling, this covers your non-refundable expenses.
- Emergency Medical and Dental: Your home health care plan rarely covers you in a foreign country. If you get sick or break a bone abroad, travel insurance covers the hospital bills and, if necessary, emergency medical evacuation back home.
- Baggage Protection: If the airline loses your luggage or it gets stolen from your hotel, insurance reimburses you for your lost items and helps cover the cost of buying essential clothes and toiletries while you wait.
- Adventure Sports: This is the most overlooked category, and it is incredibly important. Standard policies rarely cover activities they consider “extreme.”
Why We Use World Nomads for Adventure Travel
While my credit card insurance saved us for a standard flight cancellation to Iceland, it has strict limits.
Next March, I am heading to Northern Vietnam for an epic 8-day motorcycle adventure tour. Riding a motorbike through mountain passes in Southeast Asia is classified by most insurance companies as an extreme or adventure sport. If I get into an accident on that bike, standard credit card insurance will absolutely not cover the medical bills.
This is exactly why we use World Nomads
. They are designed specifically by travelers, for travelers. They specialize in covering over 200 adventure activities, including motorcycling, scuba diving, and hiking at high altitudes.
If you are planning anything more adventurous than a bus tour, you need coverage that actually protects you.
What to Do If Something Happens Abroad
If an emergency happens while you are traveling, stay calm and follow these three steps:
- Call Your Insurance Provider Immediately: World Nomads and other providers have 24/7 emergency assistance numbers. Call them before you pay for major medical procedures so they can guide you and open a claim.
- Get Everything in Writing: If your flight is canceled, get a statement from the airline. If you are robbed, get a local police report. If you see a doctor, ask for a detailed medical report and a diagnosis.
- Keep Every Single Receipt: You will need proof of purchase for everything you claim. Keep your receipts for delayed baggage purchases, taxi rides to the hospital, and hotel cancellations.
Quick Travel Safety Tips
- Take Photos of Your Documents: Before you leave the house, take photos of your passport, your driver’s license, and your travel insurance policy number. Keep a copy on your phone and email a copy to yourself.
- Know the Local Emergency Numbers: 911 does not work everywhere. Look up the local numbers for police and ambulances for your specific destination before you land.
Travel is unpredictable. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you will not lose thousands of dollars due to a storm or a medical emergency is worth every penny.
Are you ready to plan your next adventure?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a policy through our World Nomads links, Good Journey may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we trust for our own travels.