Pack Your Peace of Mind Alongside Your Passport: Why Travel Insurance is Essential for International Travel
As you begin to dream about Tuscany or any other international trip you plan to take this year, there’s one important step I gently encourage you not to overlook: Travel insurance for international travel.
I know… it’s not the sexiest part of planning a beautiful trip, but it is one of the most important.
Because while we all hope everything unfolds exactly as planned, life has a way of surprising us, often at the most inconvenient times.
I’ve seen it happen.
One of my guests was just weeks away from joining us when she unexpectedly needed emergency surgery. Not only did she have to cancel her trip, but her mother had to cancel as well. It was heartbreaking. But because she had trip cancellation travel insurance, she didn’t also have to carry the financial loss along with everything else. She could focus on her recovery.
Another guest lost her luggage, but she did not have lost luggage travel insurance. She spent countless precious hours of her vacation navigating how to file a claim in a foreign country where she didn’t speak the language.
Travel insurance not only offers financial reimbursement, but also relief, support, and space to breathe when something unexpected happens.
Here’s why I care so deeply about this for you:
Your health and safety abroad matter. Most U.S. health plans offer little to no coverage internationally. If you were to get sick or injured, having medical and emergency evacuation coverage abroad can make an overwhelming situation feel manageable.
This is a meaningful investment in yourself. These trips aren’t just vacations, they’re experiences you’ve been looking forward to, planning for, and saying yes to. Protecting that investment simply makes sense.
Peace of mind changes everything. When you know you’re covered, you can relax into the experience. The wine tastes better, the conversations linger longer, and you’re not quietly holding onto “what ifs.”
You’re supported, even far from home. Many plans include 24/7 assistance to help with delays, rebooking flights, or navigating the unexpected while you’re away.
I personally carry an annual policy through Travel Guard, though there are many good providers. Most plans cost around 5–7% of your total trip investment, depending on your age and level of coverage.
A few things to keep in mind when purchasing travel insurance for Italy trips:
Timing matters. It’s best to purchase insurance when you make your first trip payment. Some benefits like “Cancel for Any Reason” are only available if you secure your policy within about a week of booking.
Not all coverage is the same. Policies can differ widely, especially when it comes to global events or disruptions. It’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what your plan includes.
Credit cards aren’t enough. While they may offer limited protection, they rarely provide the comprehensive coverage that a dedicated travel policy does, especially for medical care abroad. I checked my coverage through my Chase United Plus credit card and they help with missed connections and lost luggage, but not with medical issues.
If you haven’t yet purchased your travel insurance and you’re traveling to Tuscany with me this year, I encourage you to take care of this soon.
Not out of fear, but out of care.
Because when this one piece is in place, you can fully arrive, exhale, and embrace everything this experience is meant to be.
Have questions? Please call or email me. I’m well-versed in this important topic.
Warmly,
Janine
P.S. Here’s a link toTravel Guard, the coverage I use. I’ve also heard good things about Allianz and World Nomads.