Is Travel Insurance Worth It? | Coverage, When to Buy & How to Choose?
Flights get canceled. Luggage goes missing. People get sick. When these things happen abroad, they can turn into nightmares…
A good travel insurance policy acts like a safety net. It’ll stop bad things from ruining your trip and your budget. Whether you’re heading to Shanghai, Tokyo, or Bali, the right coverage gives you peace of mind.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about travel insurance to travel smarter and safer!
to Shanghai
to Beijing
to Bangkok
See all flights
What Does Travel Insurance Cover on Trip.com?
Credit: from Robert Bye, Unsplash | People waiting for their flights
Travel insurance isn’t just about making amends for your canceled flights. It’s a safety net for the unpredictable. Here’s how it can rescue your trip:
Coverages | Features |
Medical Emergencies | Cover for medical expenses incurred while traveling, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical evacuation. |
Free Trip Cancellation | Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to a covered reason, such as illness, severe weather, or a death in the family. |
Lost/Stolen Luggage | Reimbursement for the cost of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, lost passport, and personal belongings. |
Travel Delay | Reimbursement for additional expenses, such as meals and lodging, in the event of a covered travel delay. |
Emergency Assistance | Access to 24-hour emergency assistance services, such as emergency medical and travel assistance, emergency cash transfers, and legal and travel referrals. |
Flight Accident | Coverage for death or dismemberment in the event of a covered air travel accident. |
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy on Trip.com?
Selecting a satisfying travel insurance on Trip.com depends on your destination, health, and trip activities. Follow these steps to find the perfect coverage:
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Consider purchasing travel insurance if you encounter a high-risk destination, expensive healthcare, adventure sports, multi-flight bookings, or non-refundable expenses.
Step 2: Key Benefits Table
Travel insurance isn’t just about “having it”, but also whether it’ll save you when disaster strikes.
Key Benefits | Best for |
Medical Expenses | Seniors, chronic illness |
Trip Cancellation | Expensive pre-booked trips |
Baggage Delay/Loss | Photographers, frequent flyers |
Step 3: Choose the Best Type for You
Trip.com offers 2 main types of travel insurance for US travelers: “Vacation Travel Plan” and “Post Departure Travel Plan”.
The Best Travel Insurance Plan | Vacation Travel Plan
Check out the following key coverages of "Vacation Travel Plan" on Trip.com.
Coverages | Maximum Benefit (Per Person Per Trip) |
Trip Cancellation | 100% of Trip Cost |
Trip Delay | $2000 |
Accidental Death/Dismemberment | $10,000 |
Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense | $50,000 |
Baggage/Personal Effects | $1,500 |
Baggage Delay | $500 |
The Best Travel Insurance Plan | Post Departure Travel Plan
Check out the other cheaper plan called "Post Departure Travel Plan" in detail:
Coverages | Maximum Benefit (Per Person Per Trip) |
Trip Interruption | 100% of Trip Cost |
Trip Delay | $500 |
Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense | $10,000 |
Baggage/Personal Effects | $500 |
Baggage Delay | $500 |
Note: Check if your travel insurance explicitly covers pre-existing conditions or acute onset episodes, and declare your medical history when purchasing.
When Travel Insurance Is a Must?
Credit: from Alex Azabache, Unsplash | Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Not every traveler needs to buy travel insurance, but if any of these apply to you, it’s worth considering:
- If You’re Visiting Multiple Countries
Have you already decided on backpacking through Southeast Asia (such as Bali, Thailand, and Singapore)? The more destinations you plan to visit, the higher the chance that something goes wrong… A single travel insurance policy can easily cover you across borders.
- If You’re Engaging in Adventure Activities
Check exclusions carefully. If injuries occur during unapproved activities, the claims will be denied.
- If You’re Travelling during Peak or Risky Seasons
Frequent flight/ferry cancellations will happen due to storms and floods caused by heavy rain. A proper travel insurance can cover you for extra costs if monsoons strand you, like unplanned hotel stays.
See all attractions
11366 booked
When You Might Skip Travel Insurance?
In fact, travel insurance isn’t always necessary. You can risk going without if your trip is short, domestic (like a weekend in Las Vegas), or you’re okay with small losses (like a cheap hotel cancellation fee).
But for international trips, especially to places with expensive healthcare (Europe) or complex travel logistics (visa rules/tech controls). So, it’s still worth the small cost for travel insurance!
Tip: Only rooms labeled “Free Cancellation” on Trip.com can be canceled without fees; cancel before the specified deadline
Shanghai Disney Resort
4.7/5
44520 reviewsShanghai Disney is definitely worth a visit! It's a very atmospheric and exciting place with a variety of different locations. The only downside is the very long queue (an average of an hour and a half per ride), so I recommend buying a fast pass.
The Palace Museum
4.9/5
47949 reviewsOur guide, Ustya, gave us an excellent tour, explaining the entire history of the Forbidden City and sharing interesting facts. The tour lasted about three hours, was paced comfortably, and included basic information, along with a few minutes for photos after each stop. We also managed to visit the jade exhibit. After the Forbidden City tour, we visited the clock pavilion and the treasury; we had time to see everything. We really enjoyed everything, especially the lions, or more specifically, a lioness playing with her cub.
The Grand Palace
4.4/5
5840 reviews🇹🇭✨ Step into a real-life masterpiece!Visiting the Grand Palace was absolutely breathtaking. We were completely in awe of the incredible attention to detail from the stunning architecture and intricate designs to the beautifully crafted decorations throughout the entire palace.Every corner felt magical and deeply reflected Thailand’s rich culture and history. A truly unforgettable experience and an absolute must-see when in Thailand ❤️
Chimelong Safari Park
4.8/5
13482 reviewsThe park is incredibly big and cool. I started with the monkeys, then rode the train and the cable car. Then I followed the walking trail; there are signs everywhere in English, making it very easy to navigate. There was only one line for the train; it was a bit uncomfortable in the heat, but honestly, when the line moves, it doesn't feel terrifying. There's a fairly long corridor with a lot of people, so you won't be able to squeeze through. But it was really cool; now I want to take a drive through this safari someday; it will be even more awesome. There was no line for the cable car; I was alone in the cabin, which was very comfortable. On the walking trail, I visited different areas, from Jurassic Park to a home farm. I really enjoyed everything, I recommend it, and I hope to come back.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
4.6/5
5300 reviewsI booked my trip to Hong Kong through Trip. Everything was quick and easy. It was fantastic.
FAQs about Travel Insurance
-
Do I need travel insurance?
-
Why purchase travel insurance?
-
Is travel insurance mandatory?
-
Can I add travel insurance after booking?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending Searches
-
Air travel guide
-
Latest flight deals
-
Getting around
-
eSIM/SIM card
- China Eastern Free Transit Hotel
- China Eastern Airlines Baggage
- Trip.com Call Center
- Link Ticket to Shanghai Disney App
- China Southern Airlines Baggage Allowance
- China Eastern Airlines Check in
- China Airlines Premium Economy
- How to Change Taobao to English
- Sleeping in Hong Kong Airport
- China Customs Prohibited Items