Travel Smarter: 3 Travel Insurance Options

Key Benefits of Travel Insurance

Let’s be real—travel is amazing, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Flights get delayed. Bags disappear. You get terribly sick (yes, this has happened to me). That’s where travel insurance swoops in to save the day and your wallet.

If you’re a frequent traveler like me, insurance isn’t a "nice-to-have," it’s a must. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry—I’ve done the legwork (so you don’t have to). Here are my top travel insurance picks that strike the perfect balance of value, coverage, and peace of mind. Travel insurance is not merely an additional expense but rather a protective measure that can save you from significant financial losses. For instance, medical emergencies abroad can lead to exorbitant costs, especially in countries where healthcare is expensive. With an appropriate travel insurance policy, you can cover these health-related expenses, ensuring access to suitable care. Moreover, many policies provide coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations, allowing travelers to recover costs that could arise from abrupt changes in plans.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy

When exploring the best travel insurance options, it is vital to assess your specific needs. Factors such as the destination, duration of the trip, and activities planned should influence your choice. For instance, if you are embarking on a high-risk adventure such as skiing, ensure that your policy covers adventure sports. Additionally, reviewing the terms and conditions of various policies can help you identify the best fit. Some items to consider include coverage limits, claims processes, and customer reviews.

Comparing insurance providers can also yield insights into the most reputable companies in the travel insurance space. Top choices often include brands known for excellent customer service and straightforward claims processes. Investing time in understanding the nuances of different policies lets you select a plan tailored to your travel itinerary.

Here are my 3 travel insurance companies:

VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage is one of the largest online travel insurance platforms offered in 175+ countries (with their primary market being the United States). This insurance company was one of the first to offer travel insurance to travellers worldwide in 2006. Now, they offer several customizable plans, from classic insurance to cover medical expenses to extended insurance to cover flight delays, missing baggage, and other emergencies.

Insubuy

Insubuy is one of the largest online insurance providers for travelers planning a trip in the United States. Tourists from around the world can choose from a wide range of plans, from basic insurance, which will cover emergency medical care, to extended insurance, which will cover common sicknesses and rare diseases. After purchasing a plan, travelers can make changes to or cancel their insurance policy at any time leading up to their trip.

EKTA

EKTA is a travel insurance platform known for its affordable insurance package starting at just $0.99 per day. EKTA works worldwide, but the company’s primary users are from the USA, Canada, Israel, Germany, Turkey, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. EKTA’s most basic package includes coverage for critical situations, but they offer extended packages for travellers who would like extra coverage, including protection against COVID-19.

I've had to cancel a trip last-minute due to a family emergency. Thanks to travel insurance, I got most of my money back. Another time, my bag took a surprise vacation to a different country and travel insurance reimbursed me for essentials.

You might not need to use it every trip, but when you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.