The short answer is yes! However, let’s break down why a travel insurance is not the same as a health insurance.

I learned the hard way that having regular health insurance isn’t enough when traveling abroad. A few years ago, while visiting Boston, I fainted unexpectedly. My ex-girlfriend panicked but hesitated to call an ambulance because she wasn’t sure if I had proper travel insurance or what it would cover. Instead, she rushed me by taxi to the emergency department. I spent about three hours at the hospital, with just one of those hours being actual checks. A week later, I received the bill: $4,500 USD.

The only thing that saved me from paying out of pocket was my German travel insurance, which covered everything. Without it, that trip would have turned into a financial disaster. And that wasn’t the only time. I once cracked a tooth in Colombia and had it treated abroad. Another time, I cut myself badly on a rock while climbing in Croatia. In each case, my travel insurance stepped in when my regular health insurance coverage would have been useless.

These experiences made me realize something crucial: health insurance is not travel insurance. They serve completely different purposes, and if you’re traveling internationally, relying on your domestic health policy can leave you dangerously exposed.

Why Health Insurance Isn’t Enough Abroad

Before Boston, I assumed my health insurance was a safety net I could trust anywhere. But the reality is:

• Coverage ends at borders: Most health insurance plans simply don’t work overseas. Foreign hospitals rarely recognize them.
• Upfront cash is required: In South America, I was told I’d need to pay thousands in advance before receiving treatment.
• Evacuations aren’t included: If I had collapsed somewhere more remote, like Namibia’s desert, a medical evacuation costing $20,000+ wouldn’t have been covered.
• Cruise ships aren’t covered either: Many travelers are shocked to learn their health plans don’t apply on international waters.

In short, domestic health insurance is built for home life, not for the unpredictable realities of global travel.

What Travel Insurance Covers That Health Insurance Doesn’t

The Boston hospital bill taught me about medical coverage, but over the years I’ve discovered that travel insurance goes far beyond health emergencies.

• Trip cancellations and delays: When a typhoon canceled my flight from Asia, my policy reimbursed my hotel and meals.
• Lost luggage or theft: I’ve had my wallet stolen and luggage delayed—both times, travel insurance softened the blow.
• Emergency evacuations: Knowing I’d be flown out in case of a serious accident has been peace of mind, especially when trekking in remote mountains.
• Trip interruptions: When a family emergency cut a trip short, my insurance covered the last-minute ticket home.

It’s not just about sickness—it’s about protecting your entire trip from the unexpected.

The Extra Risks of Traveling Abroad

Travel comes with risks you rarely think about at home:

• I’ve had food poisoning bad enough in Morocco to land me in a hospital bed.
• I watched a traveler in Vietnam break their leg in a scooter accident and get refused treatment until they showed proof of payment.
• Altitude sickness once caught me off guard while hiking in Peru—something my health insurance would never cover.

Combine unfamiliar food, unpredictable weather, new environments, different safety standards, and language barriers, and the risk of emergencies skyrockets. That’s exactly when travel insurance proves its worth.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

I used to see it as an unnecessary expense. Trips already cost so much—why add another line to the budget? But when I compared the costs, it made sense:

• A $30 policy once saved me nearly $800 in canceled flights.
• My Boston hospital visit would have cost me $4,500 without coverage.
• Smaller incidents like my broken tooth in Colombia or climbing accident in Croatia, which could have cost hundreds, were all handled.

Now, I budget travel insurance into every international trip. It’s no longer optional—it’s part of responsible travel planning. At the end, a travel insurance is smart risk management that transforms anxiety into confidence as you explore new corners of the world.

When Can You Skip Travel Insurance?

There are only a few situations where I don’t buy extra coverage:

• Domestic trips, where my health insurance fully applies.
• Short getaways nearby, where risks and costs are low.
• Countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements, like traveling inside the EU, where I already have some safety net.

But for any long-distance or international trip, I don’t skip it. Boston showed me why.

My Take on Health vs. Travel Insurance

That hospital bill in Boston could have wrecked me financially. It didn’t, thanks to travel insurance. Add in the smaller emergencies I’ve faced in Colombia, Croatia, and elsewhere, and I’ve learned this lesson well:

Health insurance protects me at home. Travel insurance protects me everywhere else.

Your health insurance won’t pay for lost luggage, stolen passports, flight delays, or emergency evacuations. Travel insurance does. And that difference can turn a disaster into just another story from the road.

I’ve met countless travelers who regret skipping travel insurance. I’ve been close myself—and I don’t want to repeat that mistake.

So, if you’re packing for your next trip, ask yourself: If something unexpected happens, am I really covered? For me, the answer comes with a simple solution: always get travel insurance.

👉 Traveler’s tip: Compare plans before you leave. The best travel insurance isn’t always the cheapest—it’s the one that fits your trip style, destination, and comfort level.