Why Travel Insurance Matters

As a travel advisor, I spend a lot of time helping clients prepare for their vacations—choosing destinations, finding the perfect resort, arranging tours, and planning every detail that makes a getaway special. But there’s one part of trip planning that should not be overlooked: travel insurance.

I always carry it myself. And last December, I had an experience that proved just how essential it truly is.

Unexpected Detours

My family and I planned what was supposed to be a fun ski getaway in Park City. We flew into Salt Lake City, got settled into our hotel, and were looking forward to hitting the slopes the next morning. Within hours of arriving, everything changed.

I suddenly became ill. As the evening went on, my symptoms worsened. Before I knew it, the hotel staff was calling an ambulance, and I was on my way to the ER. After some testing and IV fluids to get my electrolytes rebalanced, I was discharged—but I was in no condition to continue the vacation. Our big ski trip had turned into nothing more than an unexpected (and very expensive) overnight in Utah.

Thankfully, I carry an annual travel insurance policy. That single decision made a very big impact. My policy reimbursed all of our non-refundable expenses from the trip, and thanks to that coverage, I was able to rebook my family for a “do-over” ski trip the very next month. (I sat that one out!) Without travel insurance, we would have absorbed the full cost of the airline change fees, lift tickets, rentals, and other prepaid nonrefundable expenses—not to mention the medical bills from the ER and that pricey ambulance ride.

This experience wasn’t just inconvenient—it was a reminder of why I never travel without insurance and why I encourage my clients to protect their investment too.

Illness isn't the only way that travel insurance protects you. Recently a family of Whimsy Travelers was headed to NYC to see a once-in-a-lifetime show on Broadway. They were unfortunately caught up in the DFW telecommunications outage that forced a ground stop. Thankfully, this family was insured by an annual trip policy that I had recommended for them on a previous vacation. That policy covered almost every financial loss they incurred from their canceled trip. While they won't be able to get that experience back, it helps to know that they didn't face financial losses on top of that disappointment.

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Key Travel Insurance Coverages

Travel is full of excitement, but it also comes with unpredictable variables. Illness, weather, delays, cancellations, emergencies—they don’t care how long you’ve been dreaming of your vacation.

Travel insurance protects both your investment and your well-being.

1. Trip Cancellation

Reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Some often-covered reasons include:

• Illness or injury (yours or a traveling companion’s)

• Severe weather

• Job loss

• Jury duty

• Death of an immediate family member

2. Trip Interruption

If you have to cut your trip short—like I did—this coverage helps reimburse the unused portion and additional expenses for returning home.

3. Travel Delay

Covers unexpected costs when your travel is significantly delayed, such as:

• Hotels

• Meals

• Transportation

4. Baggage Loss, Damage, or Delay

If your bag disappears or shows up days late, insurance reimburses you for clothing, toiletries, and necessities.

5. Emergency Medical Coverage

Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and more when you’re sick or injured during your trip—especially important outside the U.S., where your regular health insurance may not apply.

6. Emergency Medical Evacuation

Pays for medically necessary transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or back home—an expense that can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.

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Different Types of Travel Insurance Policies

Not all travelers (or trips) are the same, so policies come in different forms.

1. Single-Trip Policies

Perfect for travelers who take just one or two trips a year. Covers exactly one trip from start to finish.

2. Annual (Multi-Trip) Policies

Great for frequent travelers who take multiple trips per year. These policies typically:

• Cover every trip taken within a 12-month period

• Can be more cost-effective if you are a frequent traveler

• Reduce the hassle of purchasing insurance each time you travel

3. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)

An optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not covered under standard policies.

Examples:

• You feel uncomfortable traveling

• You decide you’d rather stay home

• You have a personal or work situation not typically covered

CFAR generally reimburses around 50–75% of your prepaid costs and must be purchased within a specific timeframe after booking.

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My Recommendation for Every Traveler

I always provide a travel insurance quote with every itinerary I build. You never expect something to go wrong, but when it does, you’ll be immensely grateful for the protection. After your home and vehicles, vacations are often one of the largest expenses you’ll incur. You protect your house and car. Why wouldn’t you protect yourself and your memories?

If you are in need of travel protection, please reach out. While I’m not an insurance agent, I can provide quotes for reputable, highly-rated companies. It would be my pleasure to connect you with knowledgeable insurance representatives if you have additional questions.

Travel is an investment in joy, adventure, and memory-making. Travel insurance protects that investment—and sometimes, like in my case, it saves the day when life throws you a curveball.