Do I really need travel insurance?

If you can't afford to lose the cost of your trip and pay for a $50,000 medical emergency out of pocket, then yes.

Does my credit card insurance cover enough?

Usually only for trip delays or lost bags. They rarely provide robust medical coverage or emergency evacuation, which are the most expensive potential costs.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

Prioritize policies that provide primary medical coverage and at least $100,000 in emergency evacuation. Skip the 'Cancel for Any Reason' add-on unless your trip cost exceeds $5,000 and you have a high risk of needing to cancel for non-covered reasons.

Check your existing coverage. Call your current health insurance provider to ask if they cover international medical care. Most US-based plans do not. Check your credit card benefits; premium cards often include basic trip delay or baggage insurance.
Define your medical needs. If you are traveling to a remote location or engaging in high-risk activities like scuba diving or skiing, ensure the policy includes 'Medical Evacuation' coverage. Aim for a minimum of $100,000 to cover potential air ambulance costs.
Compare apples to apples. Use a comparison site like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip. Input your trip cost, destination, and dates to see side-by-side quotes. Look for a rating of 'A' or better for the underwriter.
Read the exclusions. Open the 'Description of Coverage' PDF for your top two choices. Look for the 'General Exclusions' section. If you have a chronic condition, ensure the policy offers a 'Pre-existing Condition Waiver' and purchase the insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Do I really need travel insurance?: If you can't afford to lose the cost of your trip and pay for a $50,000 medical emergency out of pocket, then yes.
Does my credit card insurance cover enough?: Usually only for trip delays or lost bags. They rarely provide robust medical coverage or emergency evacuation, which are the most expensive potential costs.