Before You Book That Flight, Read This
You've planned the itinerary. You've got the flights, the hotels, the restaurant list. And then someone asks — did you get travel insurance?
If you're like most American travelers, the honest answer is: I'll figure it out later. But later has a way of never coming, and that's exactly when things go sideways.
Here's what I've learned after years of traveling internationally with kids in tow and a Physician husband with an unpredictable schedule — travel insurance isn't a luxury. It's the part of the budget that makes every other part of the budget worth it.
Your US Health Insurance Probably Won't Help You
This is the one that surprises people most. Most American health insurance plans offer little to no coverage outside US borders. Medicare covers almost nothing abroad. So that hospital visit in Germany or that urgent care stop in London? It's coming straight out of your pocket — and healthcare in Western Europe runs over $1,000 a day for a hospital stay, with emergency evacuation back to the US averaging $50,000 to $100,000.
Let that sink in for a moment…
The Three Things Worth Paying For
Not all travel insurance is created equal. When I'm comparing plans for my family, I focus on three things:
Emergency Medical Coverage — Look for at least $100,000. This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency treatment when you're far from home.
Medical Evacuation — This is non-negotiable for me. If something serious happens in a remote area — the Swiss Alps, the Amalfi Coast, the English countryside — you want to know you can get to proper care, or home, without a six-figure bill waiting for you.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption — Life happens. A family illness, a flight cancellation, an unexpected emergency back home. This protects the money you've already spent on non-refundable bookings.
How to Use What You Already Have
Before you buy a new policy, check what you already have. Some credit cards — particularly travel cards — include basic trip cancellation and baggage protection when you book travel with that card. It's worth a five-minute call to your card's benefits line before you spend a dollar on a separate policy.
That said, credit card coverage typically caps medical benefits far too low for international travel and is almost always secondary — meaning you have to file with your own insurance first. Think of it as a supplement, not a substitute.
For a standalone policy, comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip let you filter by destination, traveler age, and coverage type in minutes. For families, look for plans that include children at low or no extra cost — some of the best ones do.
The Bottom Line
I'm someone who believes that travel should be intentional — that every trip should leave you more connected, not more stressed. Travel insurance is part of that intention. It's the quiet confidence that lets you actually enjoy the adventure, because you've already handled the what-ifs.
Book smart. Travel well. And protect the journey.
Top 3 Travel Insurance Companies
1. Allianz Travel (OneTrip Prime) The most recognized name in travel insurance and the best for families — covers one child under 17 free per traveling adult. Widely available and easy to purchase directly at allianztravelinsurance.com.
2. Seven Corners (Trip Protection Choice) Consistently rated the strongest overall coverage for 2026 — primary medical coverage, no deductible, and pre-existing condition coverage if purchased within 14 days of booking. A favorite among frequent international travelers.
3. IMG (iTravelInsured Choice) The best value of the three — strong $100,000 medical coverage, $500,000 evacuation, and primary coverage that pays before your US insurance kicks in. Very popular specifically for Europe trips from the US.
