Does Your Travel Insurance Actually Work Where You're Going?
Wait… Does Your Travel Insurance Actually Work Where You're Going?
👀 Preview text: Because not all insurance is created equal, especially in the USA. Here’s who to trust (and who to skip).
🩹 Travel Insurance: What Works Where (and What Doesn’t)
Let’s be honest — buying travel insurance is one of those things you do five minutes before takeoff, click “cheapest,” and hope for the best.
But here’s the thing: what works for Europe won’t always work for the US, or Asia, or multi-country trips.
So here’s your no-BS guide to insurance that actually covers you — based on where you’re headed.
💡 Heads up: Just because you used Option A last year for your Italy trip and everything went fine doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for the US, Bali, or a road trip through Canada.
Different destinations = different risks = different fine print. Always match your policy to your route — not your last holiday.
You don’t need insurance to enter most countries (yet), but it’s still essential.
✅ Best For Europe:
- Cover-More (AU-based, great for UK/EU, solid cover for cancellations and delays)
- SafetyWing (monthly-style cover, good for long Euro trips and digital nomads)
- Allianz Global Assistance (widely accepted in EU hospitals, especially Germany & France)
🚨 Watch Out For:
- Check that your policy covers every Schengen country you're visiting.
- Some budget insurers exclude rental cars in Italy or skiing in France.
This is the most expensive country on Earth for medical care. A sprained ankle can cost you $10K.
Insurance here is non-negotiable.
✅ Best for the USA:
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) – great value and excellent US medical coverage
- World Nomads – ideal for adventurers (hiking, road-trips)
- Allianz or AIG – big-name support, 24/7 assistance, direct billing
🚨 Watch Out For:
- “Unlimited” policies may still have caps on US hospital stays.
- Declare pre-existing conditions honestly or risk claim denial.
- Cover for missed connections is very important.
(Bali, Thailand, Japan etc.)
Medical care is affordable in some places — but hospitals in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea? Not cheap.
✅ Best for Asia:
- Tick Travel Insurance – budget-friendly, good for Asia
- Fast Cover – solid for gadgets, scooters, diving
- Cover-More – reliable for families, cancellations, and medical
🚨 Watch Out For:
- Make sure motorbike cover is included (especially for Bali or Vietnam)
- Adventure sports often need extra cover
- Some budget policies require upfront payment — not ideal if you’re out $3K
Going full eat-pray-love or doing a year abroad?
✅ Best bets:
- SafetyWing – monthly-style, flexible, multi-country support
- HeyMondo – app-based claims, great for tech-savvy travelers
- World Nomads – covers more countries and adventure activities
💡 Pro Tips Before You Buy:
- ✔️ Choose insurers that pay hospitals directly
- ✔️ Always read the fine print: excess, exclusions, and COVID coverage
- ✔️ Add extras (skiing, rental car, adventure sports) before your trip
- ✔️ Don’t rely solely on “free” credit card insurance — it’s often minimal
✈️ TL;DR
- **Europe = lots of good options** — check car & winter sport inclusions
- **USA = gold-tier policies only** — hospital bills are brutal
- **Asia = affordable but check scooters & diving extras**
- **Multi-country = go SafetyWing or World Nomads**
