Travel insurance is one of those things many travellers choose to skip. They hope nothing will go wrong.
Until it does.
Medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost luggage, unexpected trip interruptions — things can get stressful very fast when you’re far from home. And expensive. After years of travelling across Europe and Southeast Asia, I can say it clearly: travel insurance is not optional. It is simply a MUST.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- What travel insurance actually covers
- Whether you really need it
- How much travel insurance costs
- How to choose the right policy
- Which travel insurance is best (including the one I personally use)
- Other good travel insurance options
What Is Travel Insurance?
Simply put, travel insurance is a policy that protects you financially when things don’t go as planned.
Depending on the provider and plan, it can cover:
- Medical treatment and hospitalisation abroad
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Delayed or cancelled flights
- Accident insurance for adventure activities
- Theft of personal belongings
In short, think of it as a safety net — for both your health and your wallet.
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
Short answer: yes, absolutely.
Even if you’re healthy and careful, accidents don’t ask for permission. Some things are simply outside your control. No matter how well you plan, let’s just say — shit happens.
I learned this first-hand in Thailand. A simple insect bite turned into a bacterial infection that needed medical treatment. Fortunately, I had travel insurance. As a result, the claim was smooth and I was compensated quickly. No stress, no financial headache.
That said, the treatment only cost around 150 EUR. Not a huge amount — but still a hit on the spot. Without insurance, however, even a short hospital visit abroad can reach far higher numbers.
I’ve seen it happen. We once met a guy on a Thai island who had a serious scooter accident — not his fault. He ended up with several broken bones and spent three weeks in hospital in Krabi. The bill? Over 25,000 EUR. Even more alarming: the hospital wouldn’t begin surgery until they confirmed his insurance coverage first.
That story reminded me exactly why I always get insured. I hope I’ll never need it for something like that. But knowing I’m covered gives me real peace of mind.
Beyond medical emergencies, there’s more to consider. Missed flights, lost bags, cancelled trips, stolen electronics, a damaged passport — it all adds up fast.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Good news: travel insurance is usually quite affordable. That said, fees vary a lot between providers. So it’s worth doing your research first. Avoid plans packed with extras you don’t actually need — always ask yourself if each feature is truly useful for your type of trip.
On average, here’s what to expect:
- Medical-only coverage: approx. $5 / €4.50 per day
- Comprehensive coverage: approx. $15–$20 / €13–€17 per day
- Annual multi-trip plans: approx. $350–$400 / €300–€350 per year — works out to less than $1.50 / €1.30 per day, best value for frequent travellers
- As a % of trip cost: typically 4%–8% of your total non-refundable trip expenses
The final price depends on several factors: your age, destination, trip length, and coverage limits. For long-term travellers and digital nomads, monthly or annual plans tend to offer the best value.
How To Choose The Right Travel Insurance
The number of options out there can feel overwhelming. However, there is a logical way to narrow things down. Here’s how to approach it step by step:
1. Understand Your Existing Coverage
First, check what insurance you already have at home. In some countries — like Switzerland — local accident insurance also covers you for accidents abroad, though with limitations. Understanding your existing coverage helps you avoid paying for overlapping policies.
2. Search Based on Your Country of Residence
Next, narrow your search by residency. Many insurers require you to live in a specific country when signing up. Others, however, offer coverage regardless of nationality or residency. Make sure you understand the basics before diving into the fine print.
3. Compare Costs and Shortlist Your Options
Then, make a list of providers and plans you’re considering. Compare the costs side by side and narrow it down to those that match your budget and travel style.
4. Check the Key Details
Finally, once you have your shortlist, evaluate each plan carefully on the following points:
Coverage Limits
What is the maximum payout per claim? Make sure it’s high enough to cover a serious medical event.
Payment Method
Does the insurer pay directly, or do you pay first and claim later? For small amounts, the latter is fine. However, for large emergencies, direct billing is much easier and safer.
What’s Actually Included
Check if the plan covers accidents, illness, evacuation, luggage, trip interruptions, and any activities you plan to do — such as diving, hiking, or kitesurfing.
Trip Length
Some policies only cover short holidays. Others, however, allow continuous long-term travel with the option to renew over months or years.
Can You Start While Already Travelling?
This is important if you forget to buy insurance before departure. Most insurers require you to sign up from your home country — but not all.
Flexibility and Cancellation
Can you adjust your coverage if your plans change? And can you cancel if your trip gets cut short or doesn’t happen at all?
One-Way Travel
Some insurers require a return ticket. So if you’re travelling open-ended, double-check that you’re actually covered.
How I Chose My Travel Insurance
Before heading off on long-term travels, I did proper research. My priorities were clear:
- Reliable, established company
- Affordable — no overpriced extras I don’t need
- Strong medical coverage
- Easy claims process
- Responsive customer support
- Flexibility for longer and open-ended trips
After researching several options, that’s how I found SafetyWing. It’s the insurance I’ve been using and trusting ever since.
👉 Check SafetyWing coverage here
Best for Long-Term Travellers & Digital Nomads: SafetyWing
Best for: long-term travel, digital nomads, flexible open-ended trips, and travellers who need solid medical coverage at an affordable price.
SafetyWing runs on a monthly subscription model. You pay month by month and can cancel anytime. There’s no annual commitment and no complicated sign-up. Here’s why it works so well for travellers:
Highlights:
- Affordable monthly subscription — auto-renewed with full flexibility to cancel (their basic monthly offer start at only 62.72$ / 54.35€, check for more details here)
- Strong medical and emergency coverage
- You can start even if you’re already travelling
- Coverage available in most countries worldwide
- Easy online claims process
- Responsive and genuinely helpful customer support
- No long-term commitments — cancel anytime
After my own claim experience in Thailand and a follow-up claim in Greece for my husband, I can genuinely say: this insurance works. There was no complicated bureaucracy, no fighting for compensation, and no unanswered emails. Instead, I got smooth, professional handling with a very customer-friendly approach.
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👉 Get covered with SafetyWing here
Other Good Travel Insurance Options
SafetyWing is my personal go-to. However, depending on your travel style, these alternatives are also worth considering:
Genki
A great option for long-term travellers and expats. Genki is health-focused and often comes with higher medical limits than standard travel insurance. It’s a strong choice if comprehensive health coverage is your main priority. Unlike Safety Wing, Genki has a deductible of 50 EUR per each insurance case (i.e. you always pay 50 EUR and the rest is covered by the insurance company).
World Nomads
Popular among adventure travellers. World Nomads covers activities like diving, hiking, and surfing. It’s more expensive than SafetyWing – but also more comprehensive. As a result, it’s worth it if your trip is activity-heavy.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance isn’t about expecting something to go wrong. It’s about being prepared if it does.
After travelling across continents, remote islands, and developing countries, I’m confident: travel insurance is one of the smartest travel investments you’ll ever make. The cost is small. The peace of mind, however, is priceless.
Don’t be the person waiting in a Thai hospital while someone scrambles to cover a 25,000 EUR bill. Get covered before you go.
If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable, and reliable option – especially for longer trips – SafetyWing is where I’d start:
👉 Get covered with SafetyWing here
It’s the insurance I personally use and trust. 🙂
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