I Used to Think Travel Insurance Was Unnecessary — And I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong

Plane tickets? Sorted. Hotel room? Sorted. Travel insurance? For many, this is where they might hesitate. Trip protection is all well and good, of course. But if you're a traveller keeping a close eye on the purse strings, I can certainly understand the reluctance to shell out more dosh than absolutely essential. And then there's the crucial question: is it actually worth it?

A few years back, I'd have likely dismissed it entirely. Now, a few years wiser and armed with a good measure of caution, I've come to appreciate the security and ease that trip protection offers. Turns out, having that safety net of insurance is something I can definitely get on board with these days.

Also read: Here’s Why You Should NEVER Go on Trips Without Travel Insurance — Even Domestic Trips!

Most travel plans don’t always pan out

Image credit: Briana Tozour

In general, very few trips go exactly the way we plan them. For many people, including myself, it’s even part of the appeal of travel: Going with the flow and seeing where the wind takes you.

That said, some of the surprises that happen during a trip are more than just slight inconveniences. Two of the most common mishaps that tourists face while travelling are flight delays and lost luggage. Although these aren’t life-or-death situations, they can put a damper on any getaway. Not to mention, it puts a strain on your budget!

Travel insurance helps me deal with these unexpected situations on the road. For instance, a flight cancellation in Singapore left me stuck at the Changi Airport for 24 hours. I was insurance-less and cashless — a bad combination, especially if I wasn’t somewhere as credit card-friendly as Singapore.

It’s a hassle either way, but if I had insurance, at least I could’ve kept costs down! Moreover, round-the-clock travel assistance guarantees help for various travel setbacks, such as lost passports, cash transfers, and hospital or embassy locations.

Also read: 5 Must-Know Tips for Every Traveller in Case of a Cancelled Flight

My risk tolerance evolved over time

Image credit: Jordan Opel

As a younger traveller, it’s easy to indulge in nonstop exploration without thinking twice. I’ll seek out new experiences, like reaching out to a paragliding expert because I wanted to go along for a ride. I’ll eat and drink anything (dogs, cats, and balut excluded), and go along with every crazy idea.

There was a time when I was on a boat with a friend, asking fellow passengers if we could sleep in their houses, so we could save on accommodations. I’ll plan trips during monsoon season and just hope everything works out. Sure, there were times when I ended up facing a typhoon by the beach. But all part of the adventure, am I right?

Things have changed over the years. Now that I’m an ageing millennial in her 30s, I’ve learned to be less impulsive and more cautious. It’s not that I’m less adventurous; rather, I’m more inclined to plan carefully to make sure I get the best experience while travelling.

Image credit: Eutah Mizushima

The older I get and the more places I visit, the more I realise that anything can happen on the road. It makes me think, how will I deal when the unexpected happens? Bad weather, scheduling mishaps, or even a silly injury — any of these incidents can change the course of your trip drastically. I’ve come to understand that being prepared is a crucial part of exploration.

Medical emergencies can cost a fortune, especially in another country. And even if you’re just exploring local destinations, hospitals or medical evacuations can set you back an arm and a leg — something I definitely can’t afford. Honestly, I’d rather shell out a bit more money on insurance rather than spend all my savings in the event of an emergency.

It’s true that uncertainty is often part of the adventure, but being a seasoned traveller means being as prepared as possible for every scenario. Travel insurance like AXA’s Smart Traveller is the ultimate backup for worst-case scenarios!

Travel insurance is more affordable than I thought

Image credit: Tron Le

Travellers tend to skip insurance when visiting countries that don’t require it because it adds to their travel expenses. It’s true; when I’m splurging on hotels, tours, transportation, and food on a trip, the last thing I want is to fork over even more money.

But the thing is, really isn’t as pricey as I previously believed. I didn’t know that there are a variety of coverage options, depending on what we need. For instance, maximum medical coverage can be as low as ₱500,000 or as high as 3.5 million. Some policies let travellers choose between single-trip or multi-trip plans, which allows us to save money in the long run. Even choosing the cheapest option available, I still end up protected for a significant amount!

All that is to say that there’s no need to spend a small fortune. Is worth it? Perhaps it’s not entirely necessary on quick weekend road trips to Tagaytay. But I say, the further from home I get, the more useful insurance becomes. And it’s a small price to pay for my peace of mind on the road. What do you think?