I would never travel abroad without it. Travel insurance is crucial for solo travelers—and all travelers, for that matter. Just like accommodation and meals, it should be considered a fundamental expense of any journey.
Last spring, I received a distressing email from a reader. He and his wife had put down a sizeable deposit for what they thought would be the river cruise of a lifetime. Unfortunately, his wife fell ill about five months before their departure, forcing them to cancel. To make matters worse, he hadn’t purchased travel insurance when they booked the trip. The coverage they had only applied to payments made after the insurance was purchased. Timing is everything when it comes to travel insurance. Keep reading for more information on when to buy it.
I’ve also reaped the benefits of travel insurance. From a fall in Beijing that landed me in a local hospital for an X-ray and acupuncture, to losing a pair of glasses while hiking in Penzance, travel insurance has saved me from considerable out-of-pocket expenses.
If you choose not to buy it, you’ll be responsible for any problems that arise and will have to deal with the repercussions on your own. However, if you do purchase insurance, you can reclaim many of your expenses, just as I have, for a variety of incidents.
- I replaced my lost glasses: $300.
- I had a crown fixed that fell off in Sydney: $272.
- I was reimbursed for a flight to Peru that I couldn’t take due to my mother’s illness: $1,100.
Continue reading to have your questions about travel insurance for solo travelers answered.
The Bottom Line: The Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
The general consensus is that travel insurance can be worth every penny. Sure, there will be occasions when you purchase it but never use it, and you hope that this is the case. However, if you ever find yourself in need and have the insurance, it makes up for all those other times. Here are my recommendations.
- If you’re American, I recommend TravelInsurance.com. They act as an insurance broker, representing numerous companies. It’s easy to buy insurance online with them, and they provide a contact number for any questions.
- If you’re Canadian, I suggest Medi-Quote. They are a specialized travel insurance broker as well. I prefer to speak to a live person when I buy from them, but you can also get a quote anonymously if you’re curious.
Your Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: 12 Questions Answered
What’s the most important type of insurance to purchase?
Accidents are more likely to occur when we step out of our regular routines. An emergency room doctor once said this to me, and I’ve held onto this advice. As we travel, we definitely break away from our daily norms, which can lead to both ordinary and unforeseen health issues.
The most important types of travel insurance to consider are emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage.
- Emergency medical treatment costs can range from the price of a daily meal to an entire year’s salary. I would never jeopardize my financial security to save a small amount, whether it’s $30 (for younger travelers on short trips) or several hundred dollars. I always advise travelers to obtain emergency medical coverage.
- Emergency evacuation is equally essential. This coverage ensures you can return home to your personal medical support system when necessary.
Below is a quote from TravelInsurance.com that shows full coverage for a $3,000, one-month trip to France for a 55-year-old traveler starting at less than $100. For this price, it’s hard to justify not purchasing travel insurance.
When is the best time to purchase travel insurance?
Travelers are becoming more knowledgeable about the importance of pre-trip cancellation benefits.
- When should you buy single trip insurance? If you’re considering a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation coverage, purchase it as soon as you spend any money on the trip. This will protect your investment from the beginning.
- When should you buy annual insurance plans? If you’re considering a new annual plan for a specific trip, apply the same advice as above. If you’re renewing an annual plan, delay the renewal until you make a deposit for your next trip to save on premiums during non-travel months.
- When does age factor in? If you’re approaching a milestone age, such as 65, consider purchasing insurance before your birthday to potentially secure a lower rate for the year.
While buying insurance after your journey begins is an option, it often comes with waiting periods for activation and may not apply if a disaster has already been declared.
Is travel insurance costly?
The price of travel insurance mainly depends on your age and the level of coverage you want. A comprehensive policy covering cancellation, medical emergencies, delays, baggage issues, and more typically costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip expenses. If you choose to focus solely on medical coverage, the premium will be significantly lower. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the risks you’re willing to take.
As illustrated in the price comparison image above, travel insurance doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. You have various options. While medical coverage is essential, consider the additional types of coverage below as optional, depending on your trip’s value and your tolerance for inconvenience and financial losses.
- Trip cancellation, interruption, or delay. This is especially crucial if you’ve purchased a tour or cruise; in that case, you should acquire insurance as soon as you make a deposit. If you’re traveling independently, the upfront costs may be less significant, making this coverage somewhat less urgent. Personally, I always purchase single-trip insurance right after booking my flights.
- Trip cancellation for medical reasons. If your trip is canceled due to health issues, the medical portion of your travel insurance will likely cover your losses. Read up on policies regarding pre-existing conditions.
- Trip cancellation due to border closings, tour cancellations, or severe weather. Review the specifics of your trip cancellation insurance policy to see what is deemed covered.
- Trip cancellation due to family health emergencies. A few years ago, my planned trip was disrupted when my mother fell ill. Thanks to my travel insurance, I was reimbursed for my expenses.
- Trip interruption. The terms for trip interruption are similar to trip cancellation.
- Trip delay. This typically covers delays of a day or two.
- Baggage loss, theft, or damage. Losing your baggage can be very inconvenient. If your airline loses your luggage or you misplace something during your trip, this insurance kicks in. If you have high-value items, such as computers, photography gear, or sports equipment, consider taking photos for proof of ownership and possibly acquiring extra insurance. Baggage delay coverage usually activates after a specified number of hours of delay. Check out “Luggage Trackers Review: How to Find Lost or Stolen Bags” to avoid any woes in this aspect.
- Companion coverage. If you end up hospitalized, your insurance may cover a friend or family member’s travel expenses to be with you. This is particularly valuable for solo travelers and is often included in standard policies.
- Cancel for any reason. This feature, which is typically an add-on to standard coverage, isn’t offered by all insurers and tends to be expensive. However, some travelers opt for it.
Is there ever a time when it’s advisable NOT to buy travel insurance?
While I firmly believe in the value of travel insurance, I’m not an advocate for buying every assurance that’s offered (see “Insurance Upsell: How to Know When to Say No”). I always recommend emergency medical coverage. Depending on your comfort level, you may choose to self-insure for certain coverages mentioned earlier.
Could credit card or airline travel insurance be sufficient?
Before purchasing travel insurance, check if you’re already covered by your employer’s health plan or your credit card while traveling. Analyze your coverage to identify gaps between what you consider adequate and what is actually available. You’ll need to read the fine print carefully.
Examine the financial limits of your coverage and whether you’re insured in the countries you’ll be visiting for the entire duration of your stay. Factors to consider include:
- Emergency medical coverage limits and deductibles
- Terms related to pre-existing conditions (see more on this below)
- Companion coverage, particularly vital for solo travelers
- Upfront payment for claims. Will you have to pay for services out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement later?
- Trip delay coverage
- Length limits on the trip
- Age restrictions
- Baggage loss coverage
- Baggage delay coverage
If you feel you need additional coverage, consider purchasing “top-up” insurance.
Should I purchase annual or single-trip insurance?
While buying travel insurance, consider your travel itineraries for the year.
If you plan just one or two trips of a couple weeks each, a single-trip plan is likely your best bet. However, if you plan three or more trips or longer excursions, it’s smart to compare the pricing and coverage of annual plans, which typically have maximum days allowed per trip. Be sure to check the maximum duration for the specific plan you’re considering. You can purchase top-up insurance for longer trips.
Do I need a travel insurance specialist?
I highly recommend consulting a travel insurance broker. Not all general insurance brokers are knowledgeable in travel insurance specifics. Make sure the broker is licensed and trained in travel coverage.
You can also acquire travel insurance through travel agents. However, they can only sell insurance and are not permitted to provide advice. This means you’re essentially buying it off the rack without personal guidance. Due to the complex nature of the purchase, I advocate for working with a specialist broker.
There are numerous factors to consider with travel insurance for solo travelers, especially concerning medical coverage. The terminology in policy documents can be confusing. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the insurance company or a licensed travel insurance broker for clarity.
What’s the right insurance for medical coverage for my trip?
My main objective when I select a travel insurance policy is to safeguard myself against medical emergencies. Losing $2,000 on a flight is challenging to swallow, but incurring tens of thousands in medical costs is an entirely different matter. When choosing travel insurance, it’s essential to understand what is covered, the dollar limits on coverage, and the deductibles involved.
Most travel insurance policies should cover expenses related to medical attention, paramedical services, ambulance transport, emergency dental needs, and costs for returning home or getting family members to your side. When comparing coverage, look at the dollar limits for similar benefits and any deductibles. For example, two plans might both offer emergency medical coverage, but one may have a limit of $5,000 while another provides $5,000,000. Personally, I believe anything under $250,000 is insufficient. The more coverage, the better.
There are two special considerations:
- High-risk Activities: Some insurance providers won’t cover activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing. Some may even exclude coverage for snorkeling or zip-lining. If you engage in active pursuits, it’s essential to ensure those are covered by your plan.
- Emergency Medical Reunion: This is particularly significant for solo travelers. Many policies offer emergency medical reunion, but the terms can vary widely. Know the specific conditions of the insurance you are considering so you can properly compare policies.
Does having a pre-existing condition make medical travel insurance overly expensive?
Solo travelers should assess their pre-existing medical conditions and the potential risks of treatment for these conditions while traveling before purchasing insurance.
Even with a pre-existing condition, you can still secure coverage that isn’t prohibitively expensive. What is costly is failing to address the issue and ending up with a medical problem connected to that condition while away, only to discover afterward that the expenses aren’t covered.
Some insurance policies might offer full coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others could mandate a waiting period to demonstrate your health has been stable. This is known as a stability clause and is utilized to restrict coverage. Some insurers place more emphasis on pre-existing conditions in terms of trip cancellation coverage rather than medical coverage.
In some cases, you can acquire travel insurance without filling out a medical questionnaire. While this may seem appealing, it might mean you’re not covered for specific pre-existing conditions. A few price comparisons have shown that policies requiring medical questionnaires can actually be cheaper than those that don’t.
If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to:
- Carefully read the fine print regarding pre-existing conditions prior to purchasing. Pay particular attention to how the policy defines “stable” and “treatment,” as these interpretations can vary and directly influence your medical coverage.
- Be entirely forthcoming about any pre-existing conditions when applying for insurance to avoid voiding your policy due to misrepresentation.
- Consult a travel insurance broker to clarify the terms. For instance, if you have a heart condition, you may still be covered for an unpredictable heart attack. It’s worth making that call—customer support representatives can be very informative.
Do I really need to read the fine print on insurance policies?
Absolutely. It’s wise to do so. At one point, I even saved money because I discovered that my lost glasses were covered—though I found this out after the fact.
Read the fine print before making a purchase and be sure to understand the exact terms of the insurance you’re considering so you can effectively compare options. Download the Certificate of Insurance, which is usually available in smaller print on the promotional page or found at the bottom of the site under “Forms.”
What if a natural disaster occurs?
The recent eruption of Mount Etna prompted me to ask Stan Sandberg from TravelInsurance.com what happens during a natural disaster.
“Most standard trip cancellation insurance provides coverage during a natural disaster or mandatory evacuations at your destination. A volcanic eruption usually falls under the natural disaster category in most plans. However, it’s crucial to consider when the risk of the disaster was known and when you purchased your travel insurance. If you obtained travel insurance before warnings of the eruption became public, you’ll likely have coverage. For those without existing travel insurance, it may be too late to buy coverage for an imminent eruption. If you already have travel insurance, you may also have trip delay benefits if the eruption affects air travel, regardless of whether your destination is Italy or not.”
Video: Experts Share Insights About Solo Travel Insurance
Always Have an Escape Plan
I was in Morocco when the pandemic was declared in 2020. Our trip leader Marco worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone returned home safely. However, I was specifically concerned about Marco, as he was returning to Italy where the situation was particularly dire. While walking by a display, I came across an appropriate t-shirt for sale that served as a reminder for all of us.
For further insights on the value of travel insurance and preventative measures, read “How to Prevent or Deal with Getting Sick Traveling Solo.” To ensure your safety during your journeys, see “Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe.”
Lastly, here’s a brief one-minute video by financial expert David Chilton discussing whether you truly need travel insurance.
Last updated: September 12, 2024
