05/19/2026
What Rick Steves says:
Do you really need travel insurance?
Pushy travel agents, scary messages on booking websites, and headlines about the war in Iran might make you think so. But many travelers simply forgo it, choosing instead to play the odds — and if, on the rare occasion their trip is disrupted, they take their financial hit and move on. However, in some situations, it's a good idea to get some coverage. Here's a quick primer.
The most useful and worthwhile kind of travel insurance is for trip cancellations or interruptions, which alleviates the risk of losing money if something unforeseen gets in the way and you can't start (or finish) your trip. Other forms cover things like theft, lost luggage, and even if that company you booked a cruise with goes out of business. Medical issues are handled separately; check your existing coverage with your provider — and if you want more, travel insurance can help.
The cost and coverage vary by traveler, depending on factors like your age, the refundability of the tickets you've purchased, and how expensive your trip is overall. Most simple cancellation and interruption policies cost about 5–10% of your total trip, while more total coverage can run you 20–50%.
Before buying a policy, ask a few key questions: Is the insurer licensed in your state? Does your policy only cover things you've already bought, or will it accept add-ons? Do you already have coverage through other means (like credit cards)?
And, especially with the ongoing conflict in Iran, read the fine print on "war-related issues." This is what many current disruptions (like flight cancellations) are being blamed on — and most simple policies don't cover it. You'll likely need an expensive CFAR (cancel for any reason) policy if you want full protection here.
In the end, you can drive yourself nuts fretting about insurance. It's up to you to do your homework, ask the right questions, and think about how much peace of mind is really worth to you.
Learn more about specific types of travel insurance, how to buy, and whether it's right for you — or if you're more of a "play the odds" traveler: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance
