Is Travel Insurance Worth It? | Coverage, When to Buy & How to Choose?

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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!

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Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Fri, Jan 16
Sun, Jan 18
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Fri, Jan 16
Sun, Jan 18
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Sun, Jan 18
Tue, Jan 20
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Sun, Jan 18
Tue, Jan 20
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Sun, Jan 18
Tue, Jan 20
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Sun, Jan 18
Tue, Jan 20
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Tue, Jan 20
Thu, Jan 22
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85
Los Angeles
LAX
Shanghai
PVG
Tue, Jan 20
Thu, Jan 22
One way
18% off
From 12,665,340.54IDR 10,326,296.85

What Does Travel Insurance Cover on Trip.com?

What Does Travel Insurance Cover on Trip.com? | People Waiting for Their Flights

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.

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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”.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy on Trip.com? | Two Travel Insurance Plans on Trip.com

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?

When Travel Insurance Is a Must? | Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

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.

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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

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40937 reviews
The entrance ticket includes a 119 RMB voucher, but it’s restricted and you can only choose items under 119 RMB, and you’re not allowed to pay extra for something more expensive. That’s an important thing to note. So next time, I will only buy the entrance ticket. Everything else was wonderful
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The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most stunning and historic landmarks. Its golden temples, detailed architecture, and peaceful courtyards create a magical atmosphere. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a must-visit place for culture, history, and photography lovers.Go early to avoid crowds and wear proper dress (shoulders & knees covered). A truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Bangkok! Here’s a clean English line you can use:“Trip.com provides very easy and instant ticket booking service — fast, smooth, and completely hassle-free!”
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4.6/5
5403 reviews
We went with our 6-year-old. Overall, we liked it. It's a combination of an oceanarium, a zoo, and rides. The oceanarium is pretty good. There's also an oceanarium upstairs with rays and sharks. As for the rides, there's one roller coaster, two carousels, and a water ride for a 6-year-old. They didn't let my child on the go-karts, which he really loves; he was tall enough, but he has to be at least 8 years old. Then the officer at the entrance changed, and we told him our child was 8. He measured our height and let us in with Dad. We went up on the cable car. The views from the cable car were amazing. We went down on the train. The train wasn't impressive; we thought it was above ground, but it was underground, like the subway. Overall, we had a great day there.
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FAQs about Travel Insurance

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    It’s highly recommended for unexpected issues like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
  • Why purchase travel insurance?

    To cover risks like medical costs, trip interruptions, lost belongings, or emergencies abroad.
  • Is travel insurance mandatory?

    Some countries require it for visas, but most trips don’t mandate it.
  • Can I add travel insurance after booking?

    Yes, but do it before departures; some benefits (like cancellation) may have time limits.
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Is Travel Insurance Worth It