Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: January 10, 2026 | By Susan Williams, Insurance Expert | 7 min read
Quick Answer
Travel insurance is worth it for: expensive trips, international travel, pre-paid tours, elderly travelers, adventure activities. Not worth it for: cheap domestic flights, short trips with flexible bookings. 1-844-656-7300.
When Travel Insurance IS Worth It
? Good Reasons to Buy:
- Expensive trip - $5,000+ that would hurt to lose
- International travel - Medical emergencies abroad are EXPENSIVE
- Pre-paid, non-refundable components - Tours, cruises, resorts
- Health concerns - Pre-existing conditions, elderly travelers
- Adventure activities - Skiing, diving, hiking
- Destinations with poor healthcare - Evacuation coverage
When Travel Insurance Is NOT Worth It
? Probably Skip It If:
- Cheap domestic flight - Airlines cover cancellations anyway
- Already have refundable booking - You're covered
- Credit card has travel protection - Check your benefits
- Short trip with little pre-paid cost - Not enough to lose
What Travel Insurance Covers
| Coverage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Reimbursement if you cancel for covered reason |
| Trip Interruption | Costs if you must return home early |
| Medical Emergency | Hospital bills, doctor visits abroad |
| Medical Evacuation | Air ambulance, transport to hospital |
| Baggage Loss | Reimbursement for lost/stolen luggage |
| Travel Delay | Hotel/meals if significantly delayed |
?? What It Doesn't Cover
- "Changed my mind" - Not a covered reason
- Pre-existing conditions (unless waived)
- Travel to places with government warnings
- Extreme sports (unless added)
Credit Card Travel Protection
Before buying insurance, check if your credit card already covers:
- Trip cancellation/interruption - Some cards cover this
- Baggage delay - Many cards offer $500+
- Rental car insurance - Most premium cards include
- Travel accident insurance - Common on travel cards
Cards with good travel protection: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X
Questions About Your Trip?
Our experts can help you understand your options and book with confidence.
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FAQs
Is travel insurance worth the cost?
It depends. For expensive international trips, pre-paid tours, or travelers with health concerns - yes. For cheap domestic flights with free cancellation - usually not.
Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations?
Only for covered reasons (illness, injury, death in family, jury duty). It does NOT cover "changed my mind" unless you buy Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade.
What is CFAR coverage?
Cancel For Any Reason lets you cancel for ANY reason and get 50-75% back. Costs 40-50% more than standard insurance. Must buy within 14-21 days of booking.
Does my credit card cover me?
Many travel cards offer some protection. Check your card's travel benefits - you might already be covered for trip delays, baggage loss, and rental cars.