Why Travel Insurance Should Never Be an Afterthought

One of the most common questions I get from clients is: *“Do I really need travel insurance?”* Believe me, I understand where that question comes from. Planning a vacation is exciting—you want to focus on the fun, the adventure, the relaxation. Insurance doesn’t sound fun at all. But the truth is, it’s one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when planning a trip.

 

Every week, I’m reminded why travel insurance is one of the most important conversations I have with travelers. Just this week alone, several of my clients found themselves in situations where their decision to protect their trip made all the difference.

 

A vacation isn’t simply a purchase—it’s an investment of time, money, and carefully constructed memories. And like any investment, it deserves protection.

Travel insurance offers protection well beyond cruise vacations, giving travelers peace of mind wherever their journeys take them. Whether you’re flying across the country, exploring internationally, or planning a family road trip, travel insurance helps safeguard your investment and provides support when the unexpected arises.

 

Let’s break down some of the most common objections I hear, and why travel insurance should always be part of your planning.

 

• “I’m healthy—I don’t need insurance.”

This is something I hear more often than anything else. The reality is, even the healthiest traveler can experience an accident or illness while away from home. A misstep on cobblestone streets, food poisoning during a tour, or an unexpected flare-up from a condition you didn’t think twice about can derail even the best-laid plans.

 

• “I can’t predict the future.”

Exactly. None of us can. And that’s the point. Flight cancellations, lost luggage, hurricanes, strikes, family emergencies—these are outside your control. Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that the unexpected doesn’t automatically mean the end of your trip or the loss of your financial investment.

 

• “My credit card already offers travel insurance.”

A common misconception. While it’s true that some credit cards offer limited coverage, it’s rarely as comprehensive as people believe. Typically, credit card insurance focuses only on trip delays, interruptions, and lost baggage. Medical coverage is often minimal—or completely absent. If you’re overseas, and you need emergency transportation or hospitalization, you’ll quickly realize how limited this type of coverage really is.

 

• “I have private health insurance—won’t that cover me?”

Most U.S.-based health insurance policies do not cover you abroad. Medicare, for example, stops at the U.S. border. Even private insurance plans often exclude international coverage. Without travel insurance, you may find yourself paying out of pocket for something as basic as a doctor’s visit—or as costly as a medical evacuation. Those bills can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

 

• "What about the cost?" “It just seems like an extra expense.”

That’s certainly understandable. But when you compare the cost of insurance to the potential loss of thousands of dollars in vacation expenses—or unexpected medical bills abroad—it quickly becomes clear that it’s a small price to pay for the security and peace of mind it provides. Think about it—when you purchase travel insurance, you’re not planning for something to go wrong, you’re simply *preparing* in case it does.

 

DID YOU KNOW? Let's say you or a loved-one are taking a cruise vacation and require a medical evacuation from the ship, the costs can be staggering—often tens of thousands of dollars or more. Because ships may be far from shore, evacuations can involve Coast Guard assistance, helicopters, or specialized transport, adding to the expense. Without travel insurance, these costs are your responsibility.

 

~ Cruise Planners + Allianz = Peace of Mind ~

 

This is where our partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance comes in. Cruise Planners works directly with Allianz, a global leader in travel coverage. Allianz offers robust coverage that goes far beyond what cruise line insurance or credit card policies provide.

 

For instance, while cruise line insurance mainly protects the cruise line (often refunding in future cruise credits rather than cash), Allianz protects *you* with benefits like:

- Cash reimbursements for eligible trip cancellations or interruptions

- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (if purchased within the proper timeframe)

- Emergency medical expenses and evacuations, worldwide

- 24/7 travel assistance no matter where you are

- Coverage that spans your *whole trip*—flights, pre- and post-stays, excursions, not just the cruise itself

 

When you compare that to limited benefits from a cruise line or a credit card, the value of Allianz coverage becomes very clear. Your trip is more than just a booking—it’s an investment in experiences and memories. Protecting that investment ensures that your plans, your health, and your finances are secure no matter what happens.

If you’ve been debating travel insurance, let this serve as the reminder you need: expect the unexpected. None of us book a trip thinking something will go wrong—but when it does, the difference between having coverage and not having it can be life-changing.

 

Whether you are one of my clients already booked on a trip, or you have booked on your own, you can still protect your travels with Allianz & Cruise Planners. To learn more about available plans & request a quote, CLICK HERE: https://www.discoveryournextvacation.com/.../travel...

 

Questions? Feel free to send me a message!

Email: patrick.buck@cruiseplanners.com