When planning your first international trip, you think about flights, hotels, food, and itineraries. But there’s one thing most first-time travelers overlook—travel insurance.
It might not sound as exciting as a beach party in Thailand or a trek in Bali, but travel insurance can be the difference between a small hiccup and a huge financial setback.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book your first trip abroad.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a safety net that protects you against unexpected problems while traveling. It usually covers:
- Medical emergencies (hospitalization, accidents, sudden illness)
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Lost baggage or passports
- Emergency evacuations (in rare cases like natural disasters)
Think of it as a “backup plan” that makes sure your dream trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
💡 Why First-Time Travelers Need It
If you’re traveling for the first time, you might not know how unpredictable things can be:
- You fall sick after trying street food in Bangkok 🍜
- Your flight to Bali gets delayed and you miss your hotel booking 🛫
- Your luggage doesn’t arrive in Vietnam 🎒
- You lose your passport abroad (a real nightmare!) 🛂
Without insurance, you’ll have to handle these costs yourself. With insurance, most of it is covered.
📌 What Does It Usually Cover?
Here’s a breakdown of what a good travel insurance policy should include:
- Medical Coverage – Emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, sometimes even dental issues.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption – If your trip gets canceled due to illness, accidents, or unavoidable emergencies.
- Baggage Loss/Delay – Compensation if your luggage is lost or delayed.
- Passport Loss – Covers replacement and assistance costs.
- Adventure Sports Coverage – Some plans include basic adventure activities like snorkeling, trekking, or scuba diving (check carefully if you plan to do these).
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
Travel insurance is surprisingly affordable. For most short international trips (7–10 days), it costs:
- ₹500 – ₹1,000 for Asia trips (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.)
- ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 for Europe/USA trips
That’s less than what you’d spend on one night out abroad.
🧳 How to Choose the Right Policy
- Check medical coverage limits – At least $50,000 for international trips.
- Look for baggage and passport cover – Very useful for first-timers.
- Adventure add-ons – If you’re doing scuba diving in Bali or trekking in Nepal.
- Emergency assistance – Ensure 24×7 helpline is included.
Pro tip: Buy insurance before your trip starts—last-minute buys may not cover everything.
✅ Why Qaarwaan Recommends Travel Insurance
At Qaarwaan, we believe travel isn’t just about exploring—it’s about exploring safely. That’s why we always guide our travelers to opt for insurance before any trip. It gives peace of mind and ensures that even if something goes wrong, you’re protected.
✨ Final Word
Travel insurance might feel optional, but for first-time travelers, it’s a must-have. It’s cheap, easy to get online, and can save you from huge stress and expenses.
So when you pack for your next big adventure, remember—the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but how safely you return.
At Qaarwaan, we’ll help you choose the right plan before you set off on your journey