Travel Insurance: Why It’s Essential for Every Trip

When Marisol booked her family’s summer trip to Peru to visit relatives, she reached out to us with a quick question:

“Do I really need travel insurance if it’s just a short trip to see family?”

We walked her through the options and explained how most U.S. health insurance doesn’t work abroad and how a simple illness or injury could cost hundreds or even thousands out of pocket. She decided to enroll in a travel medical plan, just to be safe.

“I figured it was probably overkill,” she admitted later. But something told her to do it, just in case.

She was traveling with her two kids, and even though they were both healthy, she knew anything could happen when you’re far from home. For less than $100, the policy seemed like a small price to pay for peace of mind.

That peace of mind turned into a lifesaver when her 7-year-old son woke up in Lima with a high fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Not exactly how anyone plans to spend their vacation.

Here’s What Happened Next

Marisol called the 24/7 emergency assistance number provided by her travel insurance company, IMG. A care coordinator answered immediately, speaking fluent Spanish and English, and quickly located a pediatrician nearby who could see them that same morning.

Not only did they help her find a reputable clinic, but they also called ahead to explain the situation and confirm coverage so she wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.

Her son was diagnosed with a bacterial infection—nothing too serious with prompt treatment, but serious enough to need IV fluids and medication over the next 24 hours.

The bill? $480 for the doctor visit, lab work, and medications.
What Marisol paid? Absolutely nothing out of pocket.
Because she chose the Platinum plan with a $0 deductible, IMG coordinated care directly with a local pediatric clinic in their global network. Everything, from the appointment to the follow-up, was covered. The team even followed up with telehealth options and prescription coverage to ensure her son had what he needed to recover comfortably.

The Myth: “I Don’t Need Travel Insurance. I Have Regular Health Coverage.”

This is one of the biggest myths we hear.

Most U.S. health insurance doesn’t cover care outside the country—or if it does, you may need to pay first and file for reimbursement later (in Spanish, with local codes and receipts). Original Medicare? Forget about it. And the “travel protection” from your credit card? That usually only applies to baggage or delays—not emergency medical.

Marisol’s Takeaway? “I Almost Didn’t Buy It.”

“I honestly didn’t think I’d need it,” she told us. “But I’m so glad I got it. Having the insurance team handle everything, finding the right doctor, setting the appointment, managing the paperwork, made a stressful situation so much easier. And I didn’t have to worry about the cost.”

The Bottom Line

Travel insurance isn’t just for exotic adventures or “worst-case” scenarios. It’s for families like yours, visiting relatives or exploring the world with kids, plans, and health concerns in tow.

If you’re traveling this year, whether it’s to Peru or Paris, solo or with kids, consider protecting your health and your wallet with travel coverage that’s there when you need it.

Ready to Get Covered?

Compare plans and enroll directly:
👉 Enroll with IMG – perfect for international trips, mission work, or student travel
👉 Enroll with GeoBlue – ideal for U.S. residents who want global, Blue Cross Blue Shield-backed protection

Not sure what’s best for your trip?
📅 Book a consultation
📧 Email us at quote@fyiteam.com