We’ve all been there – you’re seconds away from booking a trip when one last question pops up. “Do I really need travel insurance?”
This guide breaks down what travel insurance is, when it makes sense, and how to decide whether it’s worth it for your trip.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is designed to help protect you financially when unexpected snafus disrupt your trip. Instead of paying entirely out of pocket when plans change or something goes wrong, travel insurance can help cover certain costs, depending on your policy. Not to mention, depending on your provider, it can come with 24/7 support. And that companionship is priceless.
Most travel insurance plans can help with:
- Medical emergencies while traveling
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Flight delays that lead to extra expenses
- Lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed luggage
It’s not meant to predict the problems or guarantee a perfect trip. It’s there for the moments you can’t plan for, like getting sick while abroad or having to cancel a trip at the last minute. Think of it as your safety net – you may never need it, but when something unexpected happens, having that coverage can help reduce stress and protect your wallet.
When does travel insurance make sense?
Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s not required for every trip. But, there are many situations where travelers say, after the fact, they were glad they had it. In recent years, more travelers have started thinking this way. According to the US Travel Insurance Association, American travelers spent $5.56 billion on travel insurance in 2024 — reflecting a sharp increase compared to pre-pandemic years. Travel disruptions have become increasingly common, and travelers are becoming more prepared.
You should consider travel insurance if:
You’re planning a trip far in advance with a significant investment
If you’re booking flights, hotels, tours, and activities months ahead of time, that’s a lot of money on the line and a lot of room for things to change. Many travel experts say travel insurance is best for trips that are long, expensive, nonrefundable, and international. Travel insurance can be even more crucial if those expenses are prepaid and non-refundable.
You’re traveling somewhere far from home
International travel often involves medical care systems you’re unfamiliar with and costs your domestic health plan may not cover. Travel insurance can help bridge that gap and give you the support you need.
There’s more uncertainty around the trip
Weather disruptions, political unrest abroad, or complex itineraries can all impact plans. If an unexpected change would cause financial or emotional stress, coverage may be worth considering – especially Cancel For Any Reason protection*.
That said, if your trip is fully refundable, a domestic trip happening within your state of residence, or you’re comfortable with losing some of your investment to adjust or cancel your plans, travel insurance may not be necessary.
Myths about travel insurance
Travel insurance often gets misunderstood as something you only need for expensive or international trips, but disruptions don’t care how far you’re going or how much you spent. Delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical issues can happen on a weekend getaway just as easily as on a once-in-a-lifetime trip abroad. While travel protection isn’t necessary for every journey, it can be useful for any trip away from home where plans or costs would be hard to replace if something unexpected happens.
Real traveler stories
Below are real experiences shared by Faye travelers that show when travel insurance can be useful in real-life moments.
When emergency medical care was needed
Unexpected health issues during travel can turn any trip upside down, especially when far from home.
- “Got sick while traveling in Scotland over Christmas. The customer service agents went out of their way to help me find a doctor and get my prescription while staying in touch every step of the way.” –Laura W., January 2026 – Trustpilot
- “Faye was our trip’s saving grace. After I fell ill with dengue and was hospitalized, they managed everything perfectly.” –Alejandro P., January 2026 – Trustpilot
When delays and logistics got messy
Travel disruptions happen. Flights get delayed. Connections are missed. Plans change.
- “Faye kept tabs on my flights, gates, and delays and helped make my 20-hour travel trip go so much more smoothly.” –Nellie W., January 2026 – Trustpilot
- “We had a canceled flight and had an unexpected hotel stay with Uber and restaurant expenses. We also had damaged luggage and had to buy another flight. All of these were completely covered by Faye. They also gave us extra just for the inconvenience of it all!” –Sherry S., December 2025 – Trustpilot
When uncertainty hits before or during a trip
Even without filing a claim, having coverage can provide reassurance.
- “I felt very safe traveling knowing we had a great coverage package. Made us rest easier.” –Cheri B., January 2026 – Trustpilot
- “Luckily, we didn’t need to use the insurance, but knowing that everything was being monitored made me feel confident.” –Ronald B., December 2025 – Trustpilot
What Faye offers
Faye is designed for travelers who want protection that’s clear, supportive, and easy to use.
With Faye, travelers can expect:
- Coverage for common travel disruptions like emergency medical issues, trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions
- Access to an award-winning travel app with perks like real-time flight updates, clear claim filing and tracking, Safekeeping to store important documents, essential travel information, and so much more
- 24/7 real-human assistance
- Clear, digital policy details you can access anytime
So, is travel insurance worth it?
There’s no universal yes or no. Travel insurance is a tool. It often makes sense when trips are expensive, complex, prepaid, non-refundable, international, and domestic (yet far from your home state). If you want added support when plans don’t go as expected, having coverage and 24/7 care in place can help.
FAQs about travel insurance
What does travel insurance help with?
Travel insurance can help cover certain unexpected situations like medical emergencies while traveling, trip cancellations or interruptions, delays, and lost or delayed baggage. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s always important to review what’s included before purchasing.
Is travel insurance required?
Unless your destination or organized tour requires it, travel insurance is optional. That said, many people choose insurance in case things go awry.
When does travel insurance usually make sense?
It often makes sense for expensive, international, or nonrefundable trips—especially if unexpected costs would cause stress or financial strain.
Does travel insurance guarantee reimbursement?
Not for every single situation, no. It’s designed to help with covered reasons—like getting sick or a major flight delay—that are listed in your specific plan. Since every trip is different, it’s always a good idea to check your policy details so you know exactly how you’re protected.
How much does travel insurance usually cost?
Costs vary based on trip price, destination, length, traveler age, and level of coverage selected. Many plans range from about 4%–12% of the total trip cost.
What does Faye cover?
Faye is designed to look after your trip, your health, and your stuff. Coverage can include emergency medical expenses and evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, trip delays, missed connections, and lost or damaged belongings. All plans also include 24/7 real-human travel support and access to the award-winning Faye app. Full coverage details are available here.
Does Faye offer any add-ons?
Yes. Faye offers optional add-ons you can choose for an additional layer of protection based on your trip needs. They include: Adventure & extreme sports coverage, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage*, Pet care coverage, Rental car care coverage, and Vacation rental damage protection.
*Additional costs and terms apply. CFAR is not available in NY.
