Travel insurance isn't just for trips that are long, complicated or cost a lot of money. It's something that should be factored into the cost of EVERY trip you take.

1. You don't want to lose all of your money should you have to cancel your trip.

Unexpected things happen and in today's uncertain times, it's good to know that you are not out everything you put into a long awaited trip. With travel insurance you can cancel for a covered reason and get back most of your money that you can then use to rebook another trip later on.

2. Your health insurance probably won't work in another country.

Did you know that most countries will not accept your medical insurance? There are more than 4,000 calls every year of Americans experiencing a medical emergency while traveling. “Foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States,” the U.S. State Department warns.1 When you have travel insurance you have someone in your corner helping you work with the hospital to get the treatments you need. You aren't left on your own trying to figure out how to pay out of pocket for expensive treatments.

3. Only 80% of US flights arrive on time.

Flights are delayed or cancelled everyday, sometimes leaving you stranded. Travel insurance with travel delay benefits can reimburse you for additional travel expenses such as hotel, meals and even lost prepaid expenses due to departure delays.

4. A missing bag can ruin your trip.

The good news is that airlines are getting better at keeping track of baggage, however occasionally one still doesn't make it to your final destination. If you have Baggage delay benefits, you can be reimbursed for the actual cash value to repair or replace your lost or damaged items.

5. Even travel experts need a little help.

As a travel advisor and someone who travels frequently, I recommend and always purchase travel insurance. The best reason to purchase travel insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Nobody wants to deal with insurance, or have a reason to need to call insurance while on a trip. But it's a load off of my mind to know that if I have to, (and I have) that I'm not worried about unexpected expenditures. I can go to the hospital and get treated, I can afford the $300 swim suit at the resort, or I can get that hotel room paid for while stuck in Chicago for 16 hours instead of the 4 hour layover.

The next time you call your travel advisor and book a trip, be sure you ask for travel insurance.

CITATIONS

Travel.State.gov
AllianzTravelInsurance.com
TransStats.BTS.gov
Telegraph.co.uk