Travel is one of life’s greatest joys—but it can also be one of your biggest financial commitments. A medical emergency abroad, a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or an accident can turn an amazing trip into a financial nightmare. That’s where travel insurance comes in. It’s not the most exciting thing to think about when you’re planning a getaway, but it might be the smartest move you make before you leave. Let’s walk you through finding the right coverage so you can travel with confidence.

Start by checking what you already have

Before you buy a single travel insurance policy, take a step back and review your existing coverage. You might already have protection you don’t realize.

Check your life, home, health, and auto insurance policies—call your insurers if you need to. Ask them specifically about:

• Lodging coverage: Are hotels covered? What about Airbnb, Vrbo, or hostels?
• Activities: Does your policy cover the things you plan to do? (This matters especially if you’re into sports, extreme activities like scuba diving, or adventure travel.)
• Coverage limits: Where does your current coverage end and where might you need additional protection?

You might be pleasantly surprised. Your homeowners insurance could cover liability if you accidentally injure someone while traveling. Some health plans include medical evacuation coverage. And don’t forget—your credit card company may offer travel protection too.

If you’re traveling for work, chat with your employer’s benefits team. They might have specific coverage in place, especially if you’re heading somewhere with higher risks (weather, crime, or geopolitical concerns).

Figure out what your trip actually needs

Not all trips require the same coverage. Travel insurance policies protect you in different ways, so think about which of these matter most for your trip:

• Trip cancellation or interruption: Gets your money back if you have to cancel or cut your trip short
• Lost or delayed luggage: Covers your bags if they go missing
• Medical and dental coverage: Handles health emergencies while you’re away
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Covers health issues you had before booking
• Emergency evacuation: Covers medical or emergency evacuations if things go really wrong

Honestly assess the risks for your specific trip, then choose coverage that matches those risks. No point paying for evacuation coverage if you’re heading to Canada, but it might be essential if you’re trekking in remote areas.

Compare prices from multiple insurers

Travel insurance typically adds 4% to 8% to your total trip cost. So if your trip costs $2,000, expect insurance to run you $80 to $160. That said, every trip and traveler is different, and factors like your age and destination will affect your price.

Shop around. Get quotes from at least a few different insurers before you decide. The extra 15 minutes could save you real money.

Be cautious with provider-offered insurance

Your airline, cruise line, or hotel might offer you their own travel insurance. Before you take it, know this: they’re not full-time insurance companies.

While their coverage might work, established travel insurers typically offer better quality coverage and customer service. Do your research before defaulting to their plan.

Know the rules before you file a claim

Here’s the thing: travel insurers can be tough about payouts. To protect yourself, read the exclusion clause in any policy you buy. This tells you exactly what isn’t covered, so you can avoid surprises if you need to file a claim.

Most travel insurance claims involve cancelled trips or medical emergencies. When (or if) you need to file, proper documentation is everything. Keep receipts, medical records, and any other evidence that supports your claim.

The bottom line

Travel insurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s real protection for your money and your peace of mind. Take 30 minutes to check what you already have, figure out what you actually need, and compare a few options. Then book that trip knowing you’re covered.

Because the best trips are the ones where you don’t have to worry about what could go wrong—you just get to enjoy what goes right.