Is Travel Insurance Worth It? What It Covers and When It Actually Makes Sense

Matthew Joffe • April 21, 2026

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As a small boutique travel advisor based in Spokane, Washington, one of the most confusing parts of planning a trip for my clients is travel insurance.

I know it can sometimes feel like I’m trying to sell you something—and that’s not what I’m about. My goal is simply to help you understand what it is, what it covers, and when it actually makes sense.

Travel insurance is one of those things nobody wants to buy. If your trip goes as planned (or even mostly as planned), it can feel like a wasted expense.

But it’s also one of those things that, the one time something goes wrong, can save you in more ways than you ever expected.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance typically comes in different tiers—from basic plans that primarily cover medical expenses while traveling, all the way up to more comprehensive options like “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR).

If you travel frequently, there are also annual plans that can cover multiple trips throughout the year.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Most travel insurance policies cover a core set of protections:

🏥 Emergency Medical Coverage

What it covers:

  • Doctor visits and hospitalizations
  • Emergency prescriptions

Why it helps:
Your personal health insurance may or may not cover you while traveling—especially internationally. In some destinations, hospitals require payment upfront, and in certain situations, you may not even be able to leave the country until bills are settled.

Even if your insurance does reimburse you, it can take time—and that doesn’t help in the moment.

My thoughts:
If I’m traveling within the United States—or even Canada—I’m generally less concerned. But internationally, even to places like Mexico, I consider medical coverage essential.

If I’m going on a cruise, I wouldn’t leave home without it. In the rare event you need a medical evacuation, those costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

⏱️ Trip Delay

What it covers:

  • Meals, hotel stays, and basic necessities if your travel is delayed beyond a certain timeframe

Why it helps:
Airlines typically only reimburse you if the delay is their fault (like mechanical issues). Weather delays? You’re usually on your own.

And let’s be honest—most of us don’t want to spend the night in an airport.

My thoughts:
On its own, this might not justify buying insurance. I’ve only been stuck overnight once—and of course, it was when I didn’t have coverage. That’s part of why I now carry an annual plan.

✈️ Trip Cancellation

What it covers:

  • Non-refundable travel like flights, cruises, hotels, and rental cars
  • Covered reasons typically include illness, injury, or certain emergencies

Why it matters:
The best travel pricing is often non-refundable. If losing that money would hurt financially, this coverage protects your investment.

My thoughts:
I usually avoid basic economy airfare for this reason. Beyond that, it really depends on what’s refundable and what isn’t. Always look closely at cancellation policies—it should absolutely factor into your decision.

🔄 Trip Interruption

What it covers:

  • Expenses if you have to cut your trip short
  • Flights home
  • Reimbursement for unused portions of your trip

Why it matters:
If something happens while you’re traveling—like a family emergency—this helps get you home without taking a financial hit.

My thoughts:
This happens more often than people think. That said, not everything is covered—missing your cruise because you partied too hard the night before isn’t going to qualify.

🧳 Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Luggage

What it covers:

  • Reimbursement for lost or stolen bags
  • Coverage for essential items if your luggage is delayed

Why it matters:
Airlines are required to compensate in some situations, but it rarely covers the full value—and it doesn’t help much in the moment.

My thoughts:
I’ve personally had pretty good luck here—only one delay, and my bags showed up a few hours later. But if you’re flying in the same day as a cruise or important event, this becomes much more critical.

Travel Insurance Concierge Services: An Overlooked Benefit

One benefit that often gets overlooked with travel insurance is concierge services.

What this can include:

  • Help finding local medical facilities
  • Assistance rebooking flights or hotels during disruptions
  • Support if you lose important documents like a passport
  • General guidance while traveling in an unfamiliar destination

Why it matters:
When something goes wrong during a trip, it’s not always just about getting reimbursed later—it’s about having someone you can contact in the moment to help you figure out what to do next.

My thoughts:
This is one of those features people don’t think about until they actually need it. Having a support system while you’re traveling—especially internationally—can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.

Travel Insurance Tiers Explained

Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most policies fall into a few general tiers:

Tier 1: Medical-Only Coverage
Covers emergency medical care and evacuation. Best for travelers mainly concerned about health risks.

Tier 2: Medical + Travel Disruptions
Adds protection for delays, baggage, and minor interruptions—great for most international trips.

Tier 3: Comprehensive Coverage
Includes trip cancellation and interruption, protecting your financial investment in the trip.

Tier 4: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)
Offers the most flexibility, allowing partial reimbursement even if your reason for canceling isn’t covered.

Do You Need Travel Insurance? My Honest Take

This really comes down to your trip and your personal risk tolerance.

If you’re traveling internationally, going on a cruise, or booking non-refundable travel, I strongly recommend having at least some level of coverage—especially for medical.

If your trip is flexible and mostly refundable, you may not need as much coverage.

The key is understanding what you’re risking—and deciding if you’re comfortable with that.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance can be complicated, and coverage—and even laws—can vary depending on where you live.

That’s why I always recommend working with a travel advisor. My job is to help you navigate not just your trip, but also your options when it comes to protecting it. At the end of the day, I’m not here to sell you anything—I’m here to help you create the best possible experience and make sure it’s protected.

If you’re planning a trip and not sure what level of coverage makes sense, I’m always happy to walk you through your options.

Holiday Travels

By Matthew Joffe • December 13, 2025
Ah yes… holiday travel season — when airports are packed, weather has opinions, and everyone is somehow both excited and stressed at the same time. Before we all collectively lose our minds over a delayed flight, missed connection, or weather system named something dramatic, let’s take a breath. The Truth About Holiday Travel 🎄 Holiday travel is: Busy Loud Full of families, college kids, exhausted parents, and overworked airport staff And yes… sometimes delayed If a flight is delayed, there is almost always a real reason behind it — weather somewhere else, crew timing, air traffic control, mechanical checks, or safety issues you can’t see from Gate 32B. Even if you don’t understand the reason, I promise you this: No airline wants to delay a flight on purpose. Safety always comes first. Always. A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way ❤️ The gate agents, flight attendants, TSA agents, pilots, and customer service reps are: Working long hours Missing holidays with their own families Dealing with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of stressed travelers every day Being kind won’t magically fix the weather — but it will make someone’s day better. And honestly, it might make your day better too. A Real-Life Travel Moment This week, I dropped my daughter off at the airport as she headed back to California for her college break from Washington State University. I’ll be traveling myself soon — heading to California and then on to Las Vegas. Different routes, different plans, same holiday travel reality. We’re all just trying to get where we’re going safely. A Few Holiday Travel Pro Tips (Because I Can’t Help Myself 😉) Build in extra time — mentally and literally Expect some delays (and be pleasantly surprised if there aren’t any) Pack patience right next to your phone charger Remember: the people helping you are human Final Thought Travel during the holidays isn’t perfect — but it is special. It gets us home, reunites families, creates memories, and starts new adventures. So let’s be patient. Let’s be kind. Let’s enjoy the season — even if we’re enjoying it from an airport terminal. Be beautiful, everyone.

Las Vegas Downturn

By Matthew Joffe • September 1, 2025
Since turning 21, I’ve made it a tradition to visit Las Vegas at least once every year. I’m 51 now, which means I’ve kept up a 30-year streak. The last time I went was for my 50th birthday, and for the first time in three decades, it looks like this year I won’t be making the trip. That’s a streak I never thought I’d break. But the truth is, Vegas just isn’t what it used to be. The Changing Face of Vegas I’ve watched Las Vegas evolve over the years — some changes were good, but too many have chipped away at the experience. One of the biggest frustrations has been the ever-increasing costs. Hotel taxes seem to go up every time I check in, and resort fees have gotten completely out of hand. I used to get comped rooms fairly often, but let’s be real: even those “free” stays came with strings attached. By the time you checked in, there was always some kind of fee waiting on the bill. The Games Aren’t the Same Then came the changes on the casino floor. Almost every casino on the Strip switched to paying 6/5 on blackjack instead of the traditional 3/2. That might not sound like a huge difference, but for players, it’s a real blow. Add in continuous shuffle machines, and it’s even worse. For me, blackjack was as much about the rhythm as the game itself — I enjoyed that small break between shoes to stretch, chat, and reset. Continuous shufflers killed that part of the experience, making it feel more mechanical and less social. Why I’m Taking a Break Trust me, I’ll be back in Las Vegas at some point in the near future. It’s still a special place to me, with countless memories and a certain energy that can’t be found anywhere else. But for now, I’ve decided to take my business — and my money — elsewhere. When the excitement of the city gets overshadowed by nickel-and-diming and watered-down gaming, it’s hard to justify another trip. And judging by conversations with fellow travelers, I’m not the only one feeling this way. Maybe Vegas will find its way back to what made it great. Until then, I’ll be sitting this year out — ending a 30-year streak I never thought would end.

Is Now the Right Time for Hawaii’s New Visitor Tax?

By Matthew Joffe • May 6, 2025
At Travel with Joffe, I’m all for making travel more sustainable. Our planet—and especially breathtaking destinations like Hawaii—deserve thoughtful, long-term protection. But as someone who helps people plan meaningful vacations every day, I can’t help but ask: is now really the best time to raise costs on visitors? Starting January 1, 2026, Hawaii will increase its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) from 10.25% to 11%. When combined with local taxes and fees, tourists could be paying nearly 19% on their lodging. This "green fee" is expected to generate up to $100 million a year, dedicated to funding environmental projects like restoring beaches, protecting against wildfires, and reinforcing homes against hurricanes. These are all incredibly worthwhile goals. No argument there. But here’s the concern: Hawaii is already experiencing a noticeable dip in tourism. Maui alone saw a 20% drop in visitors last July compared to the previous year. Across the islands, local businesses that rely on tourism are feeling the pinch. For travelers, Hawaii is already a high-cost destination—and this added fee might be just enough to push some families, couples, and adventurers to consider alternatives. I think we can—and should—talk about how to fund environmental protection in Hawaii. But we also need to talk about timing. Can the state find ways to support its sustainability goals without discouraging the very travelers who support the economy? Could a phased approach or exemptions for longer stays help balance both needs? I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe in asking the right questions. As someone who’s deeply connected to both travel and community, I want Hawaii to thrive—for its ecosystems and its people. So yes, let’s keep Hawaii beautiful. Let’s protect the ‘āina for generations to come. But let’s also make sure the path to sustainability doesn’t unintentionally cut off the lifeblood of local communities and businesses.