You Never Think It’s Going to Be You: Why Travel Insurance Matters More Than You Think




 Travel Insurance Preparedness Checklist:


You board the plane, land in a new country, and feel invincible.
But when you wake up at 2 a.m. in a place where you don’t speak the language, sick and alone, reality hits hard.


Over the last 10 posts, I’ve shared moments I used to be embarrassed about:

  • Getting food poisoning in a 5-star resort

  • Walking away from a scooter crash pretending I was “fine”

  • Realizing my credit card insurance didn’t cover medical

  • Clinics that asked for cash upfront, and I had none

  • Denied claims because I missed the deadline by 3 days

  • Forgetting to save receipts because I was too dizzy to think straight

All of them had one thing in common: I wasn’t ready.


I used to think insurance was for car crashes, missed flights, or lost luggage.
But the truth? It’s about timing.
Emergencies don’t give you a heads-up.
And when they come, you’re already sick, tired, and the last thing you want is to start scrolling through fine print.


Here’s what I do now, every trip:

StepWhat To DoWhy It Matters
1Read policy highlightsKnow what’s actually covered
2Save emergency hotline to NotesQuick access in a crisis
3Create a “[Country] – Medical” folderStore docs/receipts instantly
4Set a claim reminder (within 7 days)Avoid missed deadlines
5Screenshot “how to claim” instructionsNo searching when you’re sick
6Keep receipts (paper or upload)Proof for every expense

  •  (Importance: 8/10)

  •  (9/10)

  •  (7/10)

  •  (6/10)

  •  (7/10)

  •  (8/10)

(위 인포그래픽을 글 상단에 배치하면 독자에게 한눈에 실전 준비법을 전달할 수 있습니다.)


I’ve never met anyone who said, “Wow, I wish I hadn’t bought insurance.”
But I’ve met too many who said, “I really thought I didn’t need it.”
They say it while holding receipts they can’t use, scrolling through bank apps, wishing someone had told them to prepare.

So here I am, telling you: Prepare.

Travel far. Eat boldly. Take risks with your experiences - but not with your safety.
Because there’s a kind of peace that comes from knowing someone’s got your back when everything else is unfamiliar.


: Isn’t basic insurance enough for short trips?
A: Emergencies can happen anytime. Even a 3-day trip can turn into a nightmare if you’re not prepared.

: What’s the most important thing to do before traveling?
A: Read your policy highlights, save the hotline, and set up your claim process before you go.

: How soon should I file a claim?
A: Ideally within 7 days-don’t wait until you’re home and have forgotten the details.

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