3 Smart Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Your Next Adventure

Picture this: you’re strolling along the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta, soaking in the coastal charm, when you misstep on a high sidewalk. A 16-inch drop sends you crashing down, shattering your ankle. Without travel insurance, you might face a staggering $55,000 bill for surgical reconstruction, as one of my clients, Richard, did after a similar mishap. Or imagine sampling “authentic” street food in Bangkok, only to wake up with a severe stomach bug requiring urgent care.

Travel medical insurance covers essential expenses like doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications, ensuring you don’t drain your savings to get back on your feet. Unlike domestic health plans, which often provide limited international coverage (typically 60-90 days on a reimbursement basis), travel insurance offers direct billing for major hospital expenses in many cases. This is critical, as U.S. corporate plans, individual policies, or Medicare supplements rarely cover large international medical bills upfront. If your travels spark thoughts of relocating, don’t forget to review the things to consider when moving abroad, from visas to housing, lifestyle adjustments, and healthcare infrastructure, before making your leap.

Additionally, travel insurance often includes concierge services to locate English-speaking doctors or hospitals that accept direct payments for significant claims. Prescription reimbursements are typically covered, though you’ll need a written prescription and receipts, as many medications are available over-the-counter abroad. For smaller claims (up to $5,000), be prepared to pay upfront with a credit card and retain all documentation for reimbursement.

Without this coverage, you risk financial strain from unexpected medical costs, which can range from a few hundred dollars for a clinic visit to tens of thousands for complex treatments.

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