The Most Boring Thing That Just Might Save Your Trip

Let’s talk about something not-so-glamorous but absolutely essential: travel insurance. I know... it doesn’t exactly spark the same excitement as booking flights or choosing a dreamy resort. BUT hear me out - if you’ve ever had a trip go sideways (delayed flights, lost luggage, or sudden illnesses), you know that having the right coverage can make all the difference.

As a travel consultant, mamabear, and frequent traveler, I’ve seen firsthand how travel insurance has saved trips...and bank accounts. So today, I want to break it down for you: what travel insurance is, why a travel credit card's coverage might not be enough, and the peace of mind it brings when things don’t go as planned.

So, What Is Travel Insurance?

In simple terms, travel insurance helps protect your trip investment and your health while you're away. That could mean reimbursing you for missed flights, hotel stays, lost luggage, or even emergency medical care in a country where your usual insurance within the United States doesn’t work. The key? Build it into your travel budget from the start so that it's not a last-minute decision you make (or skip) based on cost alone.

“But My Credit Card Has Travel Insurance…”

This is one of the most common things I hear. And yes - some credit cards do offer travel benefits. But here’s the catch: that coverage is often limited.

For example, many don’t cover pre-existing conditions, last-minute trip cancellations, or extensive medical emergencies. If your trip costs more than a few hundred dollars or you're traveling internationally, that “free” insurance might not cover nearly enough when the unexpected happens. Think of it as a nice bonus, NOT your "for sure" safety net.

Real Stories, Real Protection

Let me share just a few real-world examples from previous clients and my own experiences:

• A honeymoon couple’s flight got delayed by two days due to a hurricane. Their travel insurance paid for airport hotel stays and refunded them for the two nights they lost at the resort.

• A family traveling to Ireland had to cancel their $17,000 trip when one member broke a shoulder days before departure. They were fully reimbursed.

• My own baggage was once delayed for 24 hours. I was able to grab fresh clothes and essentials, knowing I’d be reimbursed up to $200 a day. Trust me, after a long flight with a layover in Saudi Arabia, that was a lifesaver.

  

  Landed in Tenerife, Spain - my plane flew through a dust storm and when we landed, not only was there still a dust storm, but the majority of the town itself was on fire. We were not able to get to our Airbnb because they were trying to get the fire under control - Feb 2020

What Travel Insurance Really Covers

Every plan is different, but here are some common benefits:

• Trip cancellation or interruption

• Emergency medical care abroad

• Baggage loss or delay

• Medical evacuation back to the U.S.

• Coverage for supplier default (if your airline or tour company goes belly-up)

And for those who love options (like me), there are even policies that cover work-related trip cancellations, rental cars, or adventurous activities like skiing, skydiving, or scuba diving.

Cancel For Any Reason: Worth It?

Short answer: yes. If you want ultimate flexibility, CFAR coverage gives you the ability to cancel up to 48 hours before departure and still recoup most of your costs (typically 50–75%). This became especially popular post-2020, and it’s not going anywhere. If your job, family situation, or global events make things unpredictable (sound familiar?), it’s something to strongly consider.

Questions to Ask When Shopping for Coverage

Before picking a policy, ask yourself:

• Do I need coverage for cancellation, or just medical emergencies?

• Do I have any pre-existing conditions that need to be covered?

• Is my trip refundable or am I risking a big investment?

• Would I want help getting home in a medical emergency?

• Do I want CFAR flexibility?

• Am I traveling with little ones or older relatives who might need extra support?
  

Don’t wait too long. Many benefits (especially coverage for pre-existing conditions or CFAR) require that you purchase insurance within 14–21 days of your initial deposit.

~$300 carry on destroyed by a trip from HNL - DFW- MAF - March 2025

My Take

If you ever hire me as your travel consultant through Hiraya Holidays, I take your time, money, AND memories seriously. I never want to be the one calling you to say, “I’m so sorry, but that cost isn’t refundable.”

Yes... it’s another line item on your budget. But think of it like this: you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, right? So why roll the dice on a vacation that cost just as much?

Final Thoughts

Travel is an incredible gift, but it comes with risks. And while I hope you’ll never need to use your travel insurance, I can tell you from experience: when you do need it, it’s priceless.

When we plan trips together, I’ll always bring up travel protection early on and help guide you through options. If you'd like to get a quick quote from my favorite travel insurance partner (one that I actually use for myself), click HERE.

As always, safe travels! ✨

Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed travel insurance agent, but we have multiple partners that specialize in it. The information shared here is for general guidance only. Every situation is unique, and travel insurance policies vary by provider. For questions specific to your coverage or to file a claim, please reach out directly to the travel insurance company you purchase your policy from. Always read your policy details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.