8 Reasons Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance

Although no one likes to spend more money, the truth is that anything can happen when traveling. So, it’s a good idea to be protected just in case. Trip delays, interruptions, or even cancellations can cause unexpected headaches and expenses, but travel insurance can help make sure you are protected for adjustments you need to overcome these situations. Some plans contain cancellation benefits and if you have a covered reason you can be reimbursed for pre-paid non-refundable expenses, like a medical emergency or loss of employment before your trip even begins.

Here are eight reasons why travelers choose travel insurance:

Life is unpredictable.
Some trips need to be cancelled. With travel insurance, you don’t necessarily have to pay for a trip you are unale to take. Instead, enjoy more confidence knowing that you stay a step ahead of unpredictable situations before and during your trip.

Don’t let sickness stop you.
From coughs in the crowds to exotic eats that don’t agree with your stomach, sick happens. It’s less scary to be sick with travel insurance by your side to help you through these troubles.

Your health insurance has its limits.
When you travel outside the U.S., you may be leaving your health insurance at home. Many U.S. plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) don’t cover travelers abroad. Why risk it when a medical emergency can cost you big.

Forgot your medication?
Lost or forgotten medication can set off an alarm when you’re far from home. Let travel insurance help you locate a pharmacy to purchase a new Rx. It’s always nerve-wracking when something goes wrong. But when you’re in a foreign country, you don’t want to face any kind of crisis alone.

Lost luggage can leave you in a lurch.
Travel insurance can provide benefits that can help you replace needed items if your bags are delayed, damaged, or stolen while you’re away. With reimbursement for your trip essentials, you can still suit up for wherever your journey takes you next.

The plan crumbles.
If a travel supplier ceases operations, you may not get a refund for the money you fronted for a cruise, flight, or tour. Travel insurance is in place so you’re less likely to pay for an experience you’ll never have.

You don’t want the credit (voucher).
Airlines aren’t required to refund a ticket in the event of an emergency. In fact, your carrier can choose to offer a credit voucher toward future travel instead of cash in pocket. With travel insurance, you have more control over your Plan B.

Speaking of change of plans…
Flight delays can add up. Beyond being annoying, prolonged delays can cause you to accrue expenses while you wait, or worse, miss a connection. With travel insurance, a covered travel delay can mean cash for rebooking fees, meals, and accommodations.

All of these reasons are why we always recommend the purchase of travel insurance, regardless of the circumstance or destination. You never know what situations might arise. In terms of traveling in the era of COVID-19, normally you would not be covered for something which might be reasonably expected to happen to you—like contracting a virus during a pandemic. However, GOGO Vacation’s travel insurance partner, Allianz Global Assistance, has made some limited exceptions to coverage specifically related to COVID-19, making it important to review the policy beforehand so you fully understand what is covered.

If you have any questions regarding travel insurance, please contact your GOGO-backed travel advisor to learn more.

Written in partnership with Allianz Global Assistance