This is an interesting topic that begs for discussion. In the past, I have traveled all over the world with NO supplemental travel insurance (in fact, as a broke youth I traveled with NO insurance whatsoever. The folly of youth…). I am not saying this is wise, simply the way it happened.
That said, I have also paid for it on a few select occasions. In particular, I traveled to Malaysia last year and did extensive scuba diving there with the awesome Ocean Rover crew; they insist you have diving insurance from DAN, a recognized leader in this field. I also paid for trip insurance, not knowing what to expect with traveling in that part of the world.
Honestly, I think I would use travel insurance more in teh USA that overseas; we ahve some of the latest, mst over-packed flights in teh world and a bad rep for missing flights and bumping passengers.
Anyone else have anything to add? Thoughts? Experiences with insurance?
In the past, I’ve purchased travel insurance. Mostly, like you, it was for trips to countries where I wasn’t sure what to expect.
For me, I get insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage so I’d be treated for a serious injury in an American hospital. I get a very low coverage rate because, basically, I’m cheap and this keeps my premium down. The evacuation coverage is the important thing anyway.