Why You Should Consider Travel Insurance, Even if It’s Not Mandatory

For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.  

Some countries require visitors to buy travel or medical insurance. These requirements change frequently, so it’s best to check with your tour operator or the country’s Ministry of Tourism to determine the current status. As of 2024, we know that that the Galapagos Islands and Thailand are in various stages of discussion regarding mandatory travel insurance.

Whether or not an insurance requirement is in place, it’s still a very good idea to purchase travel insurance* for your trip. Here’s why:

  • Your personal health insurance may not cover you overseas. Travel insurance may help cover your emergency medical expenses if you become seriously ill or are injured during your trip.
  • Travel insurance plans offered through the local government usually have very limited medical coverage and may have no coverage at all for other circumstances such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost bags, or damaged gear. So even if you are purchasing (or required to purchase) a local plan, additional coverage through a company like World Nomads may help protect other parts of your trip.
  • Travel insurance might be more affordable than you think. Get a quote and compare plans to see which one will be right for you.

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.


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