5 Travel Insurance Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)

Don’t let a simple slip cost you your dream vacation.

At Easy Breezy Journeys, I believe travel should feel—well, easy and breezy. But sometimes, things go sideways: flights get canceled, bags get lost, or unexpected illness throws a wrench into your plans. That’s where travel insurance comes in—your behind-the-scenes travel hero.

That said, not all travel insurance is created equal, and buying it isn’t always as simple as clicking a box during checkout. Here are 5 common travel insurance mistakes I see people make (and how to avoid them) so you can explore with confidence this summer.


☀️ 1. Waiting Too Long to Buy Insurance


The mistake: Waiting until the last minute (or even the day before your trip) to purchase travel insurance.

Why it matters: Some of the best coverage options—like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) or coverage for pre-existing conditions—are only available if you buy your policy within a set window (typically 14–21 days of your first payment or deposit).

Easy Breezy Fix: As soon as you book your trip, let’s chat about your insurance options. The earlier we get your coverage in place, the more comprehensive your protection can be. In reality, I always give you those options before we even place your deposit, but just in case!


🩺 2. Assuming You’re Already Covered


The mistake: Thinking your credit card or health insurance will cover all your travel woes.

Why it matters: While some credit cards do offer limited travel coverage, it’s usually not enough—especially for medical emergencies abroad, which most U.S. health plans don’t cover.

Easy Breezy Fix: Let me help you compare your existing benefits with a dedicated travel policy so you don’t end up surprised (and stuck with a big bill) if you need emergency medical care in another country.

Photo by Leeloo The First: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-credit-cards-on-laptop-keyboard-8937438/

🧾 3. Skipping the Fine Print


The mistake: Clicking “yes” to insurance without reading what’s actually included (and excluded).

Why it matters: Not all policies cover the same things. Some won’t reimburse you if you cancel for work reasons. Others may not cover adventure activities like ziplining or scuba diving.

Easy Breezy Fix: I can walk you through the options and make sure the plan you choose matches the type of trip you’re taking. Whether it’s a beachy cruise or a hiking trip through the Alps, your policy should have your back.


🛫 4. Not Considering the “Cancel for Any Reason” Upgrade


The mistake: Relying on standard cancellation coverage and assuming you can cancel for any reason.

Why it matters: Most standard policies only reimburse cancellations for specific reasons—like illness or natural disasters. If your reason isn’t listed, you’re out of luck.

Easy Breezy Fix: If flexibility is important to you (like if you’re nervous about the state of the world, or want the option to change your mind), a CFAR policy may be worth the extra cost. But remember—this upgrade is usually only available shortly after booking.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-textile-41949/

💸 5. Choosing the Cheapest Option


The mistake: Going for the lowest-price policy just to check the box.

Why it matters: Bargain-bin policies may not provide the coverage you actually need. And when something goes wrong, you want real support—not red tape.

Easy Breezy Fix: I’ll help you strike the right balance between cost and coverage, so you can travel with peace of mind and stay within budget.


Final Thoughts


Whether you’re headed to an all-inclusive beach resort, a European river cruise, or an Alaska adventure, travel insurance isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a smart investment in your peace of mind. And I’m here to help you sort through the options and/or connect you to the insurance professional directly as needed, so you don’t have to do it alone.

Not sure which policy is right for your trip? Let’s talk! I’m happy to walk you through your options or give you a quick quote tailored to your vacation.

✨ Because your journey should feel easy, breezy… and well protected.

Ready to plan your next vacation or getaway? If so, Easy Breezy Journeys is here to make it easy for you!

Just click HERE to get started!