Do you purchase travel insurance?

For me, it depends on the expense of the trip and how likely I might be to have to cancel or change it. If I were going to Australia and had elderly or sick parents or children, I would probably get it. If it’s a shorter trip or like a visit to my kids in Paris, I have not bought it.

I’ve used both Travelex and Travelguard but never had to make a claim so I don’t have experience of that.

I purchased it once. I did it through USAA I think. My parents take out insurance on all of their trips outside of the 48 contiguous states. My dad has some serious health risks though.

I’m talking about insurance that covers the expense of the trip and things like medical coverage and even being transported.

If you mean just being able to cancel or change a reservation, I almost always book my hotels and rental cars like that when I can. It’s not insurance, but paying a regular rate rather than advance purchase.

As far as flights, I really like that Southwest has no penalties for changing a flight. Some airlines you can pay an extra fee to avoid charges for changes. I have never paid that, but I might in the right circumstance.

I never get the insurance. I figure on average only the insurance companies and agents are the winners. I have enough ready resources so i can effectively self-insure my travel.

Sure there will be anecdotal cases where somebody saved some money when they had a disaster and filed a claim. But on average you know the odds are stacked well in favor of the insurance companies. Check your existing medical insurance. You might already be covered for travel outside the US.

Things happen so we usually take out travel insurance if we’re going on a big, expensive trip. We particularly want medical insurance too. Australia has a good health system, but if you got sick I think you’d have to pay. I agree with @LuckyGuy, check what you’re already covered for. My house insurance covers some of my property if I’m travelling.

Given I’m in Brisbane, let me know if I can help with anything else.

If something does happen while you are there you now have a trusted friend willing to help. That should be more than enough justification for you to forget about buying insurance.
Hopefully you two are planning at least one meal out together.! We all will be very disappointed it you don’t

Thanks you all for your input. I checked with our health insurance and it will cover 100% of all emergency injury/sickness anywhere we go. So if we by travel insurance would like it to cover the following (No medical):
Cancellation if a family member gets sick.
If baggage is lost.
If trip is delayed.
If passport is lost or stolen.
If weather prevents travel.
If a flight connection is missed.
The problem is that all the travel companies that I’ve researched have lots of medical coverage. I don’t want to pay for something that I don’t need. Guess that I’ll keep looking.

Thanks @Earthbound_Misfit we’ll actually be staying in Mooloolaba paddling in outrigger canoe races there for 2 weeks (We love Brisbane though and have been there 3 times).

@LuckyGuy You always have the best advice! Thanks!

I usually buy travel insurance because I like feeling safe and confident while travelling. It is much better to be too overcautious than to experience problems which may spoil all your impressions about the trip. Of course, it depends on your destination, but since you are going from USA to Australia, it is better to get insurance and stop worrying about potential problems. When going for a trip I usually take my passport, wallet, camera, Rolex watch (like those ones at ErmitageJewelers) and insurance. And this is enough. Have a safe trip and enjoy your holiday!

@gondwanalon So now you’ve verified you have health insurance covered. Your credit card likely covers some charges as well including accident insurance for rented cars, trip cancellations, fraud, etc. Read the fine print of benefits that came with your card. The benefits are free and most of us don’t realize it.
If a flight connection is missed the airline pays for your transportation and hotel charges. In the remote chance any of the covered “disasters” occur would a minimal cash payment from the insurance company make a difference – after you go through the hassle of documenting, and filing, and waiting for approval? I didn’t think so.

They are trying to sell you on the insurance because they benefit – not you. You’re a capable guy. Armed with a credit card, you can solve any problems thrown at you. Save your money.
If you have the means to travel you have the means to handle any issues that might pop up. Have fun!
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Whatever you do, don’t bring unnecessary expensive stuff like your “Rolex watch from spamland jewelers”. You don’t need it. Who are you trying to impress? If you’re under 40 you use your phone to tell time. If you are over 50 and on vacation, time is not critical. If you do feel you need a watch, bring the cheap, waterproof Casio that’s been gathering dust on your dresser. Change the battery and your good to go for another 5 years.

@LuckyGuy You are a very clear thinking no nonsense guy with a keen ability so see through BS to the truth.

I have never purchased collision insurance on any of my cars and I have been a big winner. I’ve saved many thousands of $‘s over the 50 years that I’ve been driving. Only been in one fender bender and fixed myself for about $300 (included a professional paint job).

Last night I spent well over an hour searching several travel insurance companies for a travel insurance plan that did not contain emergency medical coverage to no avail. They all want to include medical because that’s where their main profits are. They even offer convoluted and twisted reasoning for purchasing more medical coverage even when you are already 100% covered by your current health care company. It’s sad to think that there are folks out there that actually fall for that BS.

Anyway I did call AAA this morning and was offered non medical travel insurance for $89 per person. I said “I’ll get back to you”.

Thanks again!

I agree. They prey on the most vulnerable – the people who don’t have enough money to cover any problems. They push medical coverage because you already have it!!! and their payout is zilch. As for the other “coverages” it is not worth the hassle trying to collect. The hotel reimburses you; the cruise line reimburses you; the airline gives you FF miles or different flights. Whatever is left over is less than the deductible.

Travel Insurance is useful for someone with no coverage at all, no credit cards, no line of credit, no homeowners insurance, no medical insurance and no friends. A person in that position shouldn’t be traveling, unless they are refugees from the Middle East.

@LuckyGuy Well said.