So, you’re about to embark on your next big adventure. Maybe you’re scaling the cliffs of Santorini, exploring the ancient streets of Rome, or taking a leisurely stroll through Tokyo’s neon-lit night markets. But hold up—before you dive into your Instagram photos, there’s one important thing you need to tackle, travel insurance.
I know, I know. “Insurance” might sound like a snooze fest. But trust us—nobody wants a vacation ruined by a medical emergency or a flight cancellation, especially when you’re stuck with a massive bill that could’ve been avoided.
The good news is that getting travel insurance doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ve seen it all (and bought plenty of insurance ourselves), so we’ve rounded up the biggest mistakes U.S. travelers make and how to avoid them. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Mistake #1: Not Buying Insurance at All
Let’s get this one out of the way—skipping travel insurance is like setting off on a trip without any backup plan. Everything might seem fine at first, but when things go wrong—whether it’s slipping on a cobblestone in Rome or your passport taking an unexpected swim in the Mediterranean—you’ll wish you had coverage. Without it, you could end up facing a small fortune in overseas medical bills. Yikes.
How to Avoid It
Don’t roll the dice. Travel insurance is affordable and necessary—end of story.
And don’t worry, buying it doesn’t need to be a hassle or difficult—Insubuy is what we use to make sure we’re getting exactly the coverage we need at the lowest price.
Now, Insubuy is not an insurance provider themselves, but a marketplace where you can compare policies, coverage types, and prices from multiple providers. It’s like your safety net, with no gimmicks or hidden fees.
It’s really simple. You pick the plan that suits you, and you’re set to roam the world with confidence, knowing you didn’t overpay. It’s like having the right gear for the trip—functional, reliable, and exactly what you need.
Why We Choose Patriot International Lite for Our Travels
When we travel overseas, we always opt for Patriot International Lite, a plan found on Insubuy. We just got a quote for a two-week trip to Europe in June 2025—for only $40 (for two people)! That’s unbeatable peace of mind on a budget.
Here’s why we love it:
- Short-term travel medical insurance for individuals and families (5 days to 2 years).
- Up to $1 million in coverage.
- Deductibles from $0 to $2,500—you choose.
- Coinsurance: 100% up to the maximum limit.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (acute onset) and up to 2 weeks of emergency coverage in the U.S.
- Option to add Telehealth for convenience.
Whether it’s a quick trip or an extended stay, Patriot International Lite gives us flexible, affordable coverage—without the stress.
Ready to set off with a solid safety net? Get your quote on Insubuy now!
Mistake #2: Overbuying or Underbuying Coverage
Here’s the deal—you either get stuck paying for insurance you don’t need (hello, excessive coverage) or risk not being covered for the really important stuff (oops). Overbuying is like packing 12 pairs of underwear for a one-week getaway, and underbuying is like packing zero. Both are bad.
How to Avoid It
Just like life, travel insurance is all about balance. Insubuy lets you customize your coverage so you’re not throwing your cash away.
If you’re just heading to visit your aunt in Paris for a week, a basic plan with a higher deductible should do the trick. But if you’re trekking through the Himalayas and planning to jump off cliffs for fun, you’ll want comprehensive coverage. No one-size-fits-all here—just the right fit for your adventure.
High Deductible = Lower Premium: Why It Makes Sense for Some Travelers
High deductibles mean lower premiums upfront—a great option if you’re low-risk and don’t expect big medical bills. Think of it like packing light for a hike—less weight, less cost. But if you’re the type to bungee jump or hike through rough terrain, a lower deductible might make more sense.
Unlike many other insurance companies like World Nomads and Safety Wing (seriously, why are they so popular?), Insubuy lets you customize your plan. On other sites, you’re often stuck with take-it-or-leave-it options, forcing you to pay for coverage you don’t need—or worse, skipping something you actually do. With Insubuy, you can adjust limits and deductibles to fit your adventure, so you’re covered the way you want without overpaying (which is why we prefer it!).
Mistake #3: Ignoring Exclusions
We get it: no one’s excited to dive into the “fine print.” But ignoring exclusions in your insurance policy is like ignoring the “Do not disturb” sign on your hotel door—you’ll regret it later.
Some policies won’t cover things like extreme sports (think skydiving, bungee jumping, or any other “I’m-too-cool-for-this” activity). Or they may not cover your pre-existing medical conditions. Don’t get caught off guard.
How to Avoid It
Get friendly with that fine print. Insubuy makes it easy to see exactly what’s covered (and what’s not). Whether you’re going for a gentle boat tour or planning to dive into the depths of the ocean, make sure your policy has your back for any unexpected turns. It’s a small step that can save you big headaches later.
Mistake #4: Skipping Emergency Medical Evacuation
You’re on an adventure, you’re feeling great, and then—bam! Something happens. Maybe you’ve twisted your ankle in the middle of nowhere, and the nearest hospital is 100 miles away.
If you don’t have emergency medical evacuation coverage, you’re in deep. Getting airlifted to safety can cost tens of thousands—thousands—and you’ll regret not having that coverage when you’re stuck in a sticky situation.
How to Avoid It
Don’t make the rookie mistake of skipping emergency evacuation coverage. Insubuy helps you compare plans that include this vital protection, so no matter where your travels take you, you’ll be ready for the unexpected. It’s a no-brainer, really.
Mistake #5: Assuming Healthcare Abroad is Always Cheaper
Just because you’re in a country where everything is cheap doesn’t mean medical care is. Sure, healthcare in some countries might cost less than in the U.S., but it’s not a free-for-all.
Some places have seriously expensive hospitals, and even a simple doctor’s visit can cost you a pretty penny. For example, it may be cheap to visit Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, or Egypt but if you’re looking for healthcare you’ll most likely need to rely on a private provider which can be expensive.
How to Avoid It
Make sure you’re covered for whatever health-related curveballs your destination throws at you. With Insubuy, you can filter plans based on where you’re traveling and adjust your coverage to match.
Don’t just assume things will be affordable because you’re in a developing country or eastern Europe—get the coverage you need so you can avoid the “OMG how much?!” moment when you’re sitting in a foreign ER.
The bottom line is that travel insurance is a no-brainer when you’re headed abroad. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll travel smarter, safer, and without any nasty surprises. And when it comes to finding the perfect policy, Insubuy has your back. Their platform makes it easy to compare plans, adjust coverage, and get the right fit for your trip.
Disclosure: If you purchase a plan through Insubuy, we will receive a commission. However, this is a product we genuinely use and trust to make travel safer and hassle-free.
We Need Your Help
Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation, click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.
Thank you!
BEST TRAVEL SEARCH ENGINES
🏘️ Book Accommodation
We use Tripadvisor to compare prices and reviews in advance and check availability
✈️ Book Your Flight
To find the cheapest flight options, use Skyscanner to find the most suitable choice for you
🚗 Reserve Rental Car
Use Discover Cars to compare prices and view the largest selection of vehicles
