The Smart Traveler’s Guide to Using Travel Insurance on Vacation

Let’s be real: buying travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part of planning a vacation. It’s not tropical drinks, bucket-list excursions, or deciding which swimsuit to pack. It feels a little boring, a little unnecessary—until suddenly, it isn’t.

As a travel advisor, I’ve seen it all. Illnesses that derail dream trips. Hurricanes that shut down entire regions. Lost luggage, missed flights, and yes, emergency medical care abroad. It happens. And when it does, your travel insurance can go from a fine-print afterthought to your absolute lifeline.

In this post, I’m walking you through what travel insurance actually covers, why it’s essential (especially post-2020), and—most importantly—what to do if you need to use it while you’re on vacation.

What Exactly Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a short-term policy designed to protect your trip investment and provide support if something unexpected happens before or during travel. You can think of it as a safety net that covers things your regular health insurance or credit card might not.

Most travel insurance plans fall into a few key categories:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  Reimbursement for prepaid expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons.

• Emergency Medical and Evacuation
  Covers medical treatment and transport if you get sick or injured away from home—especially important abroad, where your normal insurance may not apply.

• Travel Delay or Missed Connection
  Helps with extra costs if your flight is delayed or canceled and you need a hotel, meals, or new transportation.

• Baggage Loss, Damage, or Delay
  Reimburses for lost, damaged, or delayed bags and personal items.

• 24/7 Assistance Services
  Access to a hotline that can help you find local doctors, navigate foreign hospitals, or rebook missed flights.

Many policies can also include add-ons like "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR), adventure sports coverage, rental car insurance, or coverage for pre-existing conditions—depending on when you purchase the policy.

Why It’s Worth It

Travel insurance is often less expensive than you think—typically 4–10% of your total trip cost. And while you hope you’ll never need to use it, here’s when it becomes priceless:

• You get the flu three days before your trip.

• A family member is hospitalized and you need to cancel.

• Your luggage is lost on the way to your cruise.

• A hurricane closes your resort.

• You break your ankle ziplining in Costa Rica.

• A strike grounds your flight and you miss your tour group.

Travel insurance means you won’t be left scrambling—or covering major costs out of pocket—when the unexpected happens.

What to Do Before You Travel

If you’ve purchased travel insurance (and good on you if you have!), take these steps before you leave:

1. Save a Copy of Your Policy
   Print a hard copy and/or save a digital one in your phone’s files or email. Make sure it includes your policy number and emergency contact info.

2. Know What’s Covered
   Review the main benefits and exclusions. Some things (like pre-existing conditions or extreme sports) may need additional coverage.

3. Keep Receipts
   From flights and tours to baggage tags and hotel payments, keep a record of your travel-related expenses. These will help if you need to file a claim.

📌 Travel advisor tip: I always give my clients a “What To Do If…” cheat sheet before big trips. Ask for one—you won’t regret it.

What to Do If You Need to Use Your Travel Insurance While on Vacation

Here’s the part no one likes to think about—but everyone should know. If things go wrong mid-trip, here’s what to do:

1. Call the 24/7 Assistance Line Immediately

Every good travel insurance provider has a 24/7 emergency line. They can:

• Help you locate an English-speaking doctor or hospital

• Confirm your coverage before you receive treatment

• Guide you through next steps for trip interruption or evacuation

They’re your go-to first point of contact.

2. Document Everything

Whether it’s a hospital visit, a delayed flight, or stolen luggage—get it in writing. Ask for:

• Medical reports and receipts

• Airline delay/cancellation documentation

• Police reports, if applicable

• Photos of lost or damaged items

You’ll need this for your claim later.

3. Keep All Receipts

If you have to buy meals, new clothes, medication, or a hotel room, keep detailed receipts. Your insurance may reimburse you for these costs.

4. Contact Your Travel Advisor

That’s what we’re here for! I can help you coordinate with the insurance company, rebook missed connections, and adjust your itinerary as needed—so you don’t have to handle it all alone.

5. Don’t Wait to Report Issues

Time matters. If you experience a theft or injury, notify your insurer (and the local authorities if needed) within 24 hours whenever possible.

How to File a Claim After You Get Home

Once you’re back, here’s how to wrap things up:

• File your claim online or via the insurer’s app or website

• Upload supporting documents: receipts, proof of payment, reports

• Follow up if needed—some claims can take a few weeks to process

• Stay patient and organized—good documentation usually leads to reimbursement

Most insurers will walk you through the process step by step. If you booked your policy through me, I can help you gather what you need and avoid common mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s about practical, real-world protection when your vacation doesn’t go as planned.

As someone who’s seen clients saved by their policy—and others who really wished they had one—I strongly recommend building travel insurance into every big trip. You insure your car, your home, your health… why not your dream vacation?

Need help choosing a plan that fits your trip, your budget, and your family’s needs? I’ve got you. I work with vetted insurance providers and can walk you through the options so you feel confident and protected from start to finish.

Because the only surprises on vacation should be the fun kind.

Ready to plan your next adventure—with the right protection in place? Reach out today and let’s make it worry-free from beginning to end.