Posted on: November 12, 2025
Travel insurance is often seen as optional, but in reality, it’s a vital safeguard that can save you from significant financial and emotional stress. Unfortunately, many travelers skip it altogether - often because of persistent myths and misunderstandings.
In this article, we’ll break down five of the most common travel insurance myths, explain why they’re misleading, and help you understand the real value of being protected. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, knowing the facts can help you travel smarter and with greater peace of mind.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect travelers against unforeseen situations, such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage. Its primary purpose is to provide peace of mind while traveling, allowing you to focus on your experiences without worrying about potential disruptions.
Common Travel Insurance Myths
Myth 1: “It’s too expensive.”
One common misconception is that travel insurance adds unnecessary costs to your trip. However, the cost of travel insurance is often minimal compared to the potential expenses from common trip disruptions or medical emergencies. For example, a medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of ringgit, while travel insurance typically costs a small percentage of your total trip cost.
Tip: Look for customizable plans that align with your needs and skip unnecessary coverage to keep costs low.
Myth 2: “My credit card/health insurance already covers everything.”
Many travelers believe that their health insurance will cover them abroad. However, health insurance often doesn’t include international coverage, leaving you vulnerable to high medical expenses. While some premium credit cards offer travel perks, they often exclude critical protections like emergency medical evacuation or trip cancellation due to illness. Always check the fine print and familiarize yourself with common travel insurance exclusions to ensure you are adequately protected.
Myth 3: “I don’t need insurance for short trips.”
Emergencies or disruptions can happen on any trip, no matter its length. Even a weekend getaway can be affected by lost luggage, delayed flights, or medical issues. Travel insurance ensures that you are protected regardless of the trip duration. According to a study by SITA, over 26 million bags were mishandled by airlines globally in 2022. Short trips aren’t immune to these risks.
Myth 4: “It’s only useful if I get sick or injured.”
Travel insurance covers much more than medical emergencies. It can protect you from trip delays, missed connections, lost belongings, and even issues before you leave, like family emergencies.
Myth 5: “I can buy it anytime before I fly.”
While technically true, waiting until the last minute can mean missing out on valuable protections like trip cancellation coverage. Once an issue arises, like a medical emergency or a natural disaster, it’s often too late to get covered.
Reading our guide on when to buy travel insurance explains why earlier is always better.
Benefits of Travel Insurance
Coverage for Medical Emergencies
Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency evacuations. For example, a single hospital stay in Europe could cost upwards of RM40,000. With travel insurance, these expenses are minimized, ensuring you receive the care you need without financial strain.
Protection for Trip Cancellations and Interruptions
Travel insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to valid reasons such as illness, weather, or emergencies. This protection provides peace of mind, knowing that you won’t lose your investment in the trip.
Coverage for Lost or Stolen Belongings
Travel insurance offers financial compensation for lost luggage, stolen valuables, or delayed baggage. With coverage for lost or delayed luggage, you’ll be able to replace essentials without worrying about additional expenses.
Why Understanding Travel Insurance Is Crucial
Travel insurance is about preparing for the unexpected. Choosing the right travel insurance ensures you’re fully equipped to explore without fear of financial setbacks or emergencies.
Ready to travel with confidence?
Get your quote from Tokio Marine today and enjoy peace of mind wherever you go.
Tokio Marine Explorer
For more information
The benefit(s) payable under eligible policy is protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact TMIM or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my).
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