Travel Insurance: Lessons from 20 Years of Protecting Travelers

Rene Perez
2 days ago
3 min read

I’ve been a travel advisor for nearly twenty years, planning everything from luxury European tours to adventurous safaris in Africa. Over time, I’ve learned that travel insurance is not just a “nice-to-have”—it can be the difference between a smooth trip and a costly disaster.

Here are a few stories and lessons that have shaped how I help my clients today.

The Honeymoon That Needed Protection

Years ago, I helped plan a honeymoon to Africa. A former coworker, who I won’t name, didn’t offer travel insurance because, in his words, “it was bad karma.”

Then the unexpected happened: the Ebola outbreak made travel to the region unsafe. The couple had no insurance, and the case even went to court. The judge ruled that travel professionals have a duty to inform clients about protection options.

That day left a lasting impression on me. From then on, I always quote travel insurance for every client. Insurance isn’t about fear—it’s about peace of mind.

Why You Must Insure the Full Trip Amount

Another sobering example involved a traveler who died the day before their trip. The travel agent had only insured the deposit—about 10% of the total trip—because they didn’t want to “scare” the client with a higher premium.

Even though this was a valid reason to cancel, the insurance would only pay the deposit amount. The rest of the trip cost was lost.

Since that incident, I always protect the full trip amount from the beginning. It’s a small step that prevents major financial loss and stress for my clients.

Three Questions Every Traveler Should Ask Themselves

Over the years, I’ve found that the best-prepared travelers ask themselves these three key questions before booking:

Do I want to be fully covered financially and medically?
Full coverage protects against trip cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies abroad.
I don’t care about losing money, but do I want to be medically protected while traveling?Som
e travelers are willing to risk non-refundable deposits but still want medical coverage abroad. A basic travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies and evacuation, but not trip cancellation or penalty fees.
Am I willing to self-insure?
Some travelers opt not to purchase insurance. If something goes wrong—medical emergencies, cancellations, or travel mishaps—they accept the full financial risk. This approach is possible but comes with significant potential costs.

Timing Matters

To get the best premium and maximum coverage, purchase your policy within 14 days of your first trip deposit. Early purchase ensures protection for pre-existing conditions and trip cancellations, and locks in lower rates.

What About Credit Card Coverage?

Many travelers tell me, “I don’t need travel insurance because my credit card already provides coverage.”

It’s true that some credit cards offer limited travel protection, but there are limitations:

Coverage is often partial and may only apply to certain trip types (like car rentals or domestic travel).
You’ll have to deal directly with the credit card company for claims.
International travel coverage is often limited or non-existent, leaving you exposed to medical emergencies, evacuation costs, or lost trip funds.

I’ve used my credit card’s travel protection when renting a car in the United States, and it worked. But when traveling internationally, I prefer the comprehensive protection and peace of mind of a dedicated travel insurance policy.

The Takeaway

Travel is about adventure, creating memories, and exploring the world. Insurance ensures that nothing stands in the way of enjoying your journey to the fullest.

Whatever your decision or tolerance for risk, we will help you select the right travel insurance premium for your needs—whether you want full coverage, basic medical protection, or choose to self-insure.

Over nearly twenty years, I’ve been fortunate that my clients’ trips have gone smoothly—knock on wood—but I always sleep better knowing that, should the unexpected happen, they’re protected.