Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2025
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by Outside Contributor
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0 Comments
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Sponsored by: TripWise
Many travelers are asking themselves this question as flight delays, weather events, and rising travel costs become more common: Is travel insurance really necessary, or just another add-on?
For AMAC members—who tend to be savvy, prepared, and value-conscious—the answer is often yes, especially when you take a closer look at what traditional insurance doesn’t cover. While it might be tempting to cross travel insurance off your list to save a few dollars up front, doing so could leave you exposed to significant risk—particularly if you’re planning to travel abroad.
One of the most important but least understood facts about travel coverage is this: Original Medicare typically does not cover medical expenses incurred outside the United States. That means if you experience a medical emergency while traveling internationally, you could face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Even Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental policies often provide limited or no overseas coverage.
And it’s not just international travelers who are vulnerable. Across the country, stories are increasing of travelers stranded by flight cancellations, families forced to cancel trips due to emergencies, or vacationers who get injured and need urgent care while away from home. In these situations, many people assume their credit card will cover the costs. But most credit card protections are limited—and very few offer any kind of emergency medical coverage or medical evacuation services.
Then there’s another common source of confusion: insurance offered by cruise lines. While it may be convenient to check a box during your cruise booking, many of these policies are narrow in scope. Cruise line insurance often covers trip cancellations but may fall short when it comes to emergency medical care, especially if you need treatment off the ship or evacuation to a hospital on land. Some plans also require you to use cruise credits instead of cash refunds, and the coverage may only apply to cruise-related portions of your trip—not your flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, or other expenses. In short, cruise insurance might not provide the full protection travelers think they’re getting.
That’s where TripWise comes in.
Designed with AMAC members in mind, TripWise offers comprehensive travel protection that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, travel delays, and, importantly, emergency medical coverage both domestically and internationally. It also includes 24/7 multilingual travel assistance—something that can be a lifeline when you’re navigating an emergency far from home.
For those staying closer to home, TripWise still provides peace of mind. Imagine planning a long-awaited family trip, only to have to cancel at the last minute due to a medical issue or a loved one’s passing. Or picture missing a connecting flight and being stranded overnight without your luggage. These are the kinds of headaches that travel insurance is designed to ease—helping you recover costs and continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
TripWise gives AMAC members flexible coverage options—including plans with standard trip cancellation protection, as well as policies that offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefits for even greater flexibility. This allows travelers to choose the right level of protection based on how and where they’re traveling.
Of course, no single plan fits every traveler. If TripWise doesn’t cover everything you’re looking for, Trip Insurance Consultants can help you shop the broader market. Their team will work with you to understand your specific travel plans and health concerns, and then find the most affordable, best-fit policy from a wide range of top-rated insurers. It’s a personalized, member-first approach to making sure you travel protected—without overpaying.
The truth is, none of us plans on getting sick or having our vacation derailed. But life happens. And when it does, having the right coverage in place can make all the difference. Travel should be about enjoyment, not uncertainty. The proper travel protection plan helps ensure that if the unexpected happens, you’re not navigating it alone.
Travel smart. Travel protected.
Get your quick and easy quote here.
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