Travel Insurance: What It Really Covers & Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
As a travel agent and lifelong traveller, I’ve learned a lot of lessons on the road—but one of the most important has been the true value of travel insurance. From minor mishaps to major emergencies, it’s the safety net you hope you’ll never need, but will be incredibly grateful to have.
My First Lesson in Peace of Mind
From the moment I went on my first international trip in 2011, I made it a habit to always take out travel insurance. For years, I didn’t need to use it—and I’ll admit, I sometimes wondered whether it was really worth it.
Then in 2015, I had my first claim.
I had accidentally left a bracelet behind—either at the airport or on the plane—and decided to try my luck with a claim through Cover-More. I uploaded my proof of purchase online, submitted the details, and within 24 hours it was approved. I remember thinking, "This was easy!" I was able to repurchase a similar bracelet with the claim money. That simple experience gave me a new appreciation for how useful—and easy—travel insurance could be.
Small Claims, Big Relief
Over the years, I’ve made other small but meaningful claims for things like:
- Cracked phone screens
- A tablet I dropped and broke
- Luggage items I left behind in accommodation
Each time, the process was smooth and straightforward, and the relief of not having to absorb the full cost myself was worth every cent of the insurance premium.
The Big One: My $10,000 Canada Claim
But the claim that truly reinforced why I never travel without insurance happened in July 2016.
While on a group tour through Canada, I broke two ribs during a mountain biking excursion in Jasper. What followed was a whirlwind of medical attention and logistical challenges:
- Three ambulance trips (yes, three—including one just to get to a neighbouring town for a CT scan),
- Two X-rays, a CT scan, medication, and a two-night hospital stay,
- Multiple buses to rejoin my tour in Whistler,
- And finally, Cover-More upgraded my flight home to business class so I could sit and sleep with some comfort.
The total estimated cost of that incident? Around AU $10,000.
Thanks to my travel insurance, I didn’t have to pay out of pocket—other than some initial upfront costs. But it taught me so much more than just the importance of cover.
What I Learnt (The Hard Way)
- That experience taught me several valuable lessons I now pass on to every client:
- If I hadn’t been admitted into hospital, I might have had to pay all costs upfront before being able to claim them back.
- Many countries (including Canada) expect upfront payment for ambulance services—even in emergencies.
- I was lucky to have some savings, but ever since then, I always travel with a credit card (even just a $1,000 limit) for emergencies.
Cover-More were incredibly supportive. I remember calling them in tears, in pain from all the buses, and not due for another dose of painkillers. Their patience, kindness, and reassurance helped me feel less alone during an incredibly vulnerable moment.
Medical costs, transport adjustments, flight changes, and even pain management can become part of your claim—if you’re properly covered.
Final Thoughts: It's Not Just Paperwork—It's Peace of Mind
Travel insurance isn’t just a checkbox to tick—it’s your backup plan for all the unexpected moments that no itinerary can predict. It’s protection for your health, your belongings, your finances, and ultimately your peace of mind.
I’ve seen what can go wrong—and I’ve also seen how right things can go when you’re properly prepared.
If you’re unsure which policy is best for your trip, or you want help making sense of what’s covered, I’m always here to guide you.
Don’t leave home without it. I never do.