Why Most People Don’t Use Their Travel Insurance - Even When They Should
Most people don’t actually buy travel insurance because they plan to use it.
They buy it for peace of mind. It’s the $12 checkbox at the end of a booking - click, done, “I’m covered.”
But when something does go wrong? Most never claim it.
I thought travel insurance was for big disasters: missed flights, lost bags, broken bones.
Not for a fever in Vietnam or a quick clinic visit in Bali.
But then I started hearing the same story from friends, other travelers, and eventually, myself:
They got sick abroad, paid out of pocket, and never filed a claim.
Why? “Too much hassle.” “Lost the receipts.” “Not worth it for that amount.”
But that’s exactly what insurance is for - not just catastrophes, but the little stuff that piles up when you’re vulnerable and far from home.
Recent studies suggest over 80% of travel insurance claims go unused23.
Not because people don’t get sick - but because they:
Don’t keep documents
Don’t know how to file
Wait too long
Assume small claims “aren’t worth it”
Or simply forget
Who wins? The insurance company.
You pay the premium, don’t use the service, and they keep the money.
1.
Before every trip, I make a folder in Google Drive or my phone’s photo album: “Insurance Proof – [Country].”
Every clinic visit, pharmacy receipt, Uber to the hospital - screenshot or scan it right away.
2.
Not a sticky note or a crumpled receipt.
Request a printed invoice with your name, the clinic’s info, diagnosis/treatment, and amount paid - ideally in English.
3.
Don’t wait a month. File your claim within 7–14 days, while the memory is fresh and your documents are handy.
4.
Small claims add up. $50 is groceries, a SIM card, or a few hostel nights.
If your policy covers it, claim it.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Save every receipt, invoice, and report | Proof is everything |
| 2 | Ask for official, itemized documentation | Insurers need details |
| 3 | File your claim ASAP (within 1–2 weeks) | Deadlines are strict |
| 4 | Double-check your policy’s exclusions | Avoid denied claims |
| 5 | Don’t ignore small expenses | They add up fast |
: Is it really worth claiming $50?
A: Yes - small claims are still money, and your policy covers them.
: What documents do I need?
A: Receipts, invoices, proof of payment, and sometimes a doctor’s note. Always ask the clinic for an English version.
: How long do I have to file?
A: Most policies require claims within 7–90 days. The sooner, the better.
[How to File a Travel Insurance Claim Without Hassle: The Ultimate 2025 Guide]
[What Getting Sick in Bangkok Taught Me About Travel Insurance]
[5 Reasons Your Travel Insurance Claim Might Be Denied]
Buying travel insurance is step one.
Actually using it - saving receipts, filing claims, even for small amounts - is where the value happens.
If you paid for the safety net, don’t leave it in your inbox.
Set yourself up before you travel, and you’ll thank yourself if you ever need it.
Because the only thing worse than getting sick abroad…
is paying for help you already had, and not using it when you could have.
Comments
Post a Comment