Is Travel Protection Right for Your Trip?

Travel protection may offer peace of mind, but do you need it for every trip? The answer depends on a range of factors, from who you’re traveling with to how far you're going and what risks you’re willing to take. With more travelers opting for shorter, more intimate vacations and staying closer to home, many are asking: When is travel protection truly necessary—and when might it be optional?

Let’s explore a few common travel scenarios to help you decide when travel protection makes sense and when you might be able to skip it.

1. Traveling with Kids

Travel protection recommended

Traveling with children often comes with unexpected challenges—illness, schedule changes, or forgotten essentials can derail even the most carefully planned vacation. Coverage for trip interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage protection can be especially valuable when young travelers are involved.

Why it matters:

• Kids are more prone to getting sick.
• Extra gear (like strollers or car seats) increases the risk of lost or delayed baggage.
• Family trips are often more expensive and harder to reschedule.

Learn more about travel protection for family trips

2. Short Domestic Trips

Travel protection may not be essential—but can still help. According to our Summer Travel Survey, 53% of Americans are choosing to travel within the U.S. this summer, many are planning shorter domestic getaways. If you're driving a few hours to a nearby city or staying with family, you might be comfortable forgoing travel protection. However, coverage may still help in case of unexpected cancellations or accidents.

Consider protection if:

• You’ve prepaid nonrefundable expenses like hotels, tours, or event tickets.
• You're concerned about potential weather disruptions or illness.
• You’d be financially impacted by needing to cancel last-minute. For example you can save more while using CFAR (cancel for any reason) at 75%  of your trip cost refunded

See why travel protection is great for trips within the US

3. International Travel

Travel protection highly recommended

Only 25% of Americans plan to travel internationally this summer, but those who do should strongly consider travel protection. From lost passports to medical emergencies abroad, the stakes are much higher when you’re far from home.

Top concerns include:

• Being stranded or unable to return home due to a covered reason.
• Falling victim to travel scams
• Needing emergency medical care not covered by domestic health insurance.

Also Read: Don't Fall for Travel Scams

4. Road Trips

Protection optional—but think about what you’ve booked

Road trips are a flexible and budget-friendly travel style. If you’re using your own vehicle, staying in refundable accommodations, and keeping plans loose, you might skip travel protection. But if you’ve booked nonrefundable lodges or activities—or are renting a car—you may want to think twice.

Protection helps if:

• You’ve made expensive, nonrefundable reservations.
• You’re renting a car and want additional Rental Car Damage coverage(Not available to residents of Texas).
• You want Roadside Assistance included as part of your plan.

Learn more about road trip protection

5. Group Travel (Large or Multi-Generational Trips)

Travel protection recommended

Even though the average group size is just 2.4 travelers this year, larger group travel—especially with older relatives—can get complicated. Helping protect your investment and coordinating logistics becomes more critical when more people are involved.

Why it’s useful:

• Trip cancellations are more likely due to the higher number of participants.
• Older travelers may be at higher risk for medical issues.
• Coordinating changes and reimbursements is easier with coverage.

How to get travel protection for group trips

6. Trips with High Prepaid Costs

Travel protection recommended

Booking luxury hotels, cruises, tours, or destination packages? These kinds of trips often require full payment upfront and may come with strict cancellation policies. If you’re investing heavily, travel protection is worth it.

Recent trends:

• 15% more travelers are worried about having to cancel before their trip—a valid concern when you’ve paid thousands in advance.

Key coverages:

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption.
• Emergency medical evacuation.
• Coverage for supplier default (e.g., if your tour company shuts down) (Not Available for Standard Plan).

Get Premium Travel Insurance for Your Luxury Trip

7. Spontaneous Getaways or Last-Minute Trips

Travel protection optional—depending on your spend

For low-cost, last-minute getaways with flexible or refundable bookings, you might not need travel protection. But even then, basic protection against lost baggage or delays can add value—especially if you’re flying.

Travel Protection adds peace of mind when:

• You’re using budget airlines with limited customer service.
• You’re checking a bag with important items.
• You’re booking on short notice without cancellation options.
  

Tips for Buying Last-Minute Travel Insurance With Assistance Services

8. Traveling to Unfamiliar Destinations

Travel protection strongly recommended

About 29% of travelers are concerned about their safety when planning trips. If you’re visiting a destination where you don’t speak the language, are unsure of local healthcare, or are worried about scams (another top concern), travel protection may make all the difference.

Look for plans that include:

• 24/7 Travel Support Services and Concierge Services.
• Emergency Assistance and Transportation.
• Coverage for stolen personal items or scams.

Match Your Travel Protection to Your Plans

The travel landscape is changing. Trips are shorter, groups are smaller, and many are staying closer to home. Still, the unpredictability of travel remains constant. The best rule of thumb? If losing money, getting stuck, or facing a health emergency would ruin your plans, finances, or time, travel protection could be worth it.

Not every trip needs a plan, but knowing what travel protection can offer helps you make a smarter choice. Whether you're hopping across the state or flying overseas, consider what risks you're comfortable with—and which ones you’d rather pass on to your provider.

If you're planning a trip and want help selecting the right travel protection plan, Generali Global Assistance is here to help with customizable options for all kinds of travelers.

8456512507