Debunking the 5 most common travel insurance myths

book, sunglasses, and a drink by the pool.

Travel insurance: is it just a “nice-to-have,” or could it be the key to saving your trip when plans don’t go as expected? Spoiler alert: it’s the latter. While travel protection often gets dismissed as an afterthought, the right plan can provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

At Faye, we aim to simplify travel insurance, offering coverage that supports you before, during, and after your trip—whether it’s a last-minute weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Still wondering if you need it? Let’s set the record straight by tackling the top 5 myths about travel insurance so you can make informed decisions for your next trip.

Myth: “I should only purchase travel insurance if my trip is expensive”

Reality: It’s not just the cost of your trip that matters—it’s how prepared you are for unexpected disruptions. Mishaps like delayed flights, cancellations, or lost luggage don’t discriminate by budget.

For example, global mishandled baggage rates rose by 24% in 2023, affecting thousands of travelers. Whether you’re spending $500 or $5,000, having the right travel protection could save you time, money, and stress.

With Faye, you can customize coverage to fit any trip, from a quick staycation to a luxury vacation. Think of it as an investment in stress-free travel—no matter your budget.


Myth: “I don’t need travel insurance; my health insurance covers me.”

Reality: While some health insurance plans offer limited coverage abroad, many don’t fully cover medical emergencies outside your home country—or even out of state. And they rarely protect against non-medical issues like trip cancellations or lost luggage.

Faye travel protection is designed to complement your existing health insurance, covering eligible medical and trip-related disruptions. For example, if you fall ill before your trip and need to cancel, Faye could help reimburse your non-refundable trip costs—a gap most health plans don’t fill.

Pro tip:
Before you travel, ask your health insurance provider:

  • Does my plan cover emergency medical expenses abroad?
  • Will I need pre-authorization for treatments outside my coverage area?
  • Can they guarantee direct payments to international healthcare providers?


Need more details on how travel protection works? Explore
Faye’s coverage for a full breakdown.


Myth: “My credit card will protect my trip”

Reality: While some credit cards offer travel perks, their coverage often comes with restrictions. To qualify for benefits, you typically need to book your entire trip on the card and provide extensive documentation. Even then, reimbursements may take weeks—or longer.

Faye travel protection offers broader coverage with fewer hurdles. Eligible reimbursements can be processed quickly and sent directly to your Faye Wallet, so you can access funds when you need them. Plus, Faye can cover situations travel credit cards often don’t, like medical emergencies, natural disasters, or the ability to cancel your trip for any reason.

Want that extra flexibility? Learn more about our Cancel for Any Reason add-on.

Person looking at their credit card and entering the information into a laptop.


Myth: “I’m flying domestically, and I only need travel insurance for an international trip”

Reality: Delays, cancellations, and accidents don’t care whether your trip is domestic or international. Even if you’re staying stateside, travel protection could help when things don’t go as planned.

Picture this: You’re skiing in Colorado, honeymooning in Hawaii, or hiking in Big Bear, California. A canceled flight or medical emergency could derail your plans—and your budget. With Faye, you could have protection in place for both small hiccups and big disruptions.

For adventure enthusiasts, we also offer adventure and extreme sports protection for activities like heli-skiing, skydiving, or paragliding. Because whether you’re domestic or international, peace of mind shouldn’t have borders.


Myth: “I can just get covered if something happens in real-time on my trip”

Reality: Unfortunately, waiting until you’re mid-trip isn’t an option. Travel protection must be purchased before you leave, and booking early gives you access to benefits you might not want to miss.

For example, Faye’s pre-existing condition waiver and Cancel for Any Reason options are only available if you book within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. Planning ahead helps ensure you’re covered for pre-trip disruptions, like illness or last-minute cancellations.

Think of travel protection as a safety net—it’s there to catch you before your trip even takes off.


Go with Faye

Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or heading to the destination of your dreams, travel protection could be the smartest thing you pack. And with the Faye app, it’s always right at your fingertips.

At Faye, we’re here to make travel insurance easy, customizable, and built to help you navigate the unexpected—so you can focus on what really matters: making memories.

Ready to travel smarter? Explore our coverage options today and take the first step toward stress-free adventures.

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