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It still shocks me even now when people tell me that they travel without travel insurance! Like they literally leave their home without travel insurance wild behaviour. If you have come to ask ‘can i travel without travel insurance?’ then the answer is yes!!! Yes a million times. Travel insurance for international travel is soo necessary for when you are travelling and I would even argue that travel insurance for solo travellers should be absolutely non-negotiable.
And I say this as someone that has traveled solo to more than 30+ countries and has travelled to over 60+ countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. For me having travel insurance is essential for me to go anywhere. I think if you can afford to travel you can afford to have travel insurance. At least affordable travel insurance.
And I will explain why….
When you’re travelling alone, you are by yourself. This is the term of travelling ‘solo’ and when you are solo travelling you will note that you don’t have anyone else to fall back on if something goes wrong. Yep there is no partner, no friend, no family member literally by your side. It’s just you, your suitcase, and your phone. Sounds scary right? But it doesn’t have to if you have travel insurance.
Over the years, I’ve learned that travel insurance is not something you buy because you’re anxious. It’s something you purchase because you’re a reliable traveller that knows that travel insurance for solo travellers is important and makes sure you are prepared for travelling the world.
When you are travelling you want to be covered for any medical emergencies, delayed flights (which happens a lot), any lost luggage and any unexpected changes to plans. And this is not just for solo travellers. This is for anyone travelling with family, friends, loved ones but I have to say it’s even more necessary to have travel insurance for solo travellers. Not having travel insurance can make or break you. I would say that it can be between being protected or leave being completed stranded. And that is not grown or cute.
In this guide, I’m going to share with you, the current travel insurance I have personally used.
- What solo travellers should look for when choosing insurance
- Popular travel insurance for solo traveller options used by travellers worldwide
So whether you’re a first-time solo traveller or someone who travels often, this guide will help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.
Related Post: 6 Countries Perfect for Solo Travel in Africa
Why Travel Insurance for Solo Travellers Is Important
While, travelling solo is empowering, freeing, life changing and all the rest. It also comes with so much responsibility.
Over the years I have experienced many flight delays and luggage, sometimes cancellations, all of which can be a serious pain, but that’s where travel insurance comes in. And while nothing major has happened (thankfully and won’t IJN Amen). I’ve always had the peace of mind knowing I was protected through travel insurance. So today I share and provide a guide with things to look for and some travel insurances for frequent travellers.
As an advocate for solo travelling you are fully responsible for your medical care, and you are the one dealing with emergencies if they occur. And the reality is you have no one else to handle logistics if something heaven forbid does go wrong. That’s why travel insurance for solo travellers matters.
So What Should Solo Travellers Should Look For in Travel Insurance?
Now I am sure that you know that not all travel insurance policies are created equal and solo travellers often need slightly different coverage. Below are some things I personally look for when choosing travel insurance:
1. Medical Cover
This is non-negotiable, your travel insurance must have medical cover. When looking for travel insurance as a solo traveller, look for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Repatriation back home if necessary
Medical bills abroad can easily run into thousands, and if you have budgeted for your trip, you don’t want to have to now fork out more money for treatment.
2. Emergency Evacuation & Assistance
Very important if you travel to:
- Remote areas
- Developing countries
- Islands
- Safari destinations
You will want to be covered for emergency transport and for any medical evacuation.
3. Trip Delays & Cancellations
As a solo traveller there are often:
- Multiple flights
- Long layovers
- One-way tickets
Your coverage should include for flight delays, missed flight connection and any unexpected cancellations.
4. Lost or Delayed Luggage
When you’re alone, losing your luggage is far more stressful. My luggage was recently delayed and stuck in China when I arrived in Singapore.
It’s important to make sure your policy covers:
- Lost baggage
- Delayed baggage
- Theft
5. Activities & Destinations
If you plan to:
Check that your activities are covered and that your destination countries are also included too because some insurers exclude certain regions and/or activities.
Travel Insurance I Personally Use
I’m very intentional about what I use and mindful to only recommend things I genuinely use and trust. This is for you to know that I wouldn’t ever recommend travel insurance for solo travellers that I haven’t used myself. Here are a few travel insurances I use and would recommend for great for solo travellers.
Barclays Travel Insurance
My main travel insurance is through Barclays. I am already a customer with Barclays and I have noted that there is many benefits. For me, Barclays works very well because I travel often and like having insurance linked to my main bank.
Barclays travel insurance is reliable, easy to manage and covers multiple trips and for someone like me that is a frequent traveller I love that I have a monthly payment of £22.50 a month for the Travel Pack Plus and that I am covered for the year. You can also get Travel Pack for around £14 which you can get both here.
What I like:
- Good medical cover up to £10 million worth of emergency medical treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries
- Worldwide coverage options with lots of types of activities like winter sports, cruises, and business trips outside the UK for non-manual work, like meetings and conferences.
- Protection for my belongings, up to £1,500 if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during a trip.
Of course if you are opting to join travel insurance with Barclays I would highly recommend that you note that your coverage will depend on your account level. Some activities may not be included and some destinations may have limitations.
American Express Travel Protection
I also travel with my American Express, which includes certain travel protection benefits when you book with your Amex card. Amex can also help with:
- Medical cover there is US$/€1,000,000 for necessary medical, surgical and hospital costs during a trip.
- Protection for my belongings which can vary but it can be up to US$/€1,500 in total for a trip.
- Trip cancellations and delays are also covered US$/€200 for missed departure due to accident or breakdown, travel delay, overbooking, or missed connection which causes a delay of 4 hours or more.
- Lost or delayed baggage US$/€300 for baggage delayed by airline for 6 hours or more. An additional US$/€300 for extended baggage delay by air.
Despite always feeling like I am covered when I travel (which is so good in my opinion). It is worth noting that Amex should not be considered as the main protect for full travel insurance as there are limits depending on the card you hold.
I personally see Amex as a backup layer of protection for my main travel insurance. I have the Gold card which you can purchase here.
Other Travel Insurance Options for Solo Travellers Worldwide
In addition to the travel insurance’s I use personally, there are a few other travel insurance for solo traveller options that I have seen many travellers particularly solo travellers use. If you’re looking for flexible or international options, these are worth considering:
SafetyWing
I have seen many solo traveller use SafetyWing and note that is is very popular with digital nomads and long-term travellers. You can get yours here.
- Flexible monthly coverage
- Covers many countries worldwide
- Good for extended trips
Best for: Long-term solo travellers, digital nomads, flexible itineraries.
World Nomads
I have also seen many solo traveller use WorldNomads and note that is is very popular with digital nomads and long-term travellers.
- Designed specifically for travellers
- Covers many activities
- Worldwide coverage
- Trusted by backpackers and solo travellers
Best for: Adventure travellers, active trips, multi-country itineraries.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Solo Travel
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s my simple checklist before buying travel insurance:
- Check destination coverage – Make sure your destination countries are included. If you are not a frequent traveller you can always book once instead of having a recurring payment.
- Check medical limits – Higher medical cover is always better.
- Check activities – Make sure all the activities you are taking is covered.
- Check trip length – Some travel insurance companies have policies that limit how long you can travel. Please check the fine prints.
- Check age limits – Important for older travellers.
- Read exclusions carefully – this avoids surprises later.
FAQs About Travel Insurance for Solo Travellers
Is travel insurance worth it for solo travellers?
100000xxxx yes. I wouldn’t even advise travelling if you haven’t got travel insurance. When you travel alone, you are fully responsible for yourself. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and financial protection.
Do solo travellers need different insurance?
Not necessarily different, but you should prioritise medical cover, evacuation and flexible policies.
Is worldwide travel insurance more expensive?
Usually yes, but it offers better flexibility if you travel across multiple regions.
Can I travel without insurance?
You can, but why would you? In my opinion I would strongly recommend getting travel insurance. One emergency can cost more than years of insurance.
Final Views
Travelling without travel insurance is scary. You should not even be thinking to consider asking yourself if you can i travel without travel insurance? Because you really shouldn’t. Please don’t do it. I will always be an advocate for solo travel because for me it’s one of the most empowering things you can do. But independence also means responsibility, which not everyone likes, but it allows you to do things that you want, when you want and importantly see the world.
After travelling across more than 60 countries, I’ve learned that good travel insurance is not about fear it’s about protection and freedom. When you know you’re protected, you travel more confidently, explore more boldly, and enjoy your journey fully.
If you’re planning a trip soon, take the time to choose the right travel insurance for your journey. Your future self will surely thank you for it.
What do you think? Are you someone that travels with travel insurance? If you don’t travel with insurance why not I would be interested to know why.
See you in the comments.
Read also – 16 Best Countries for Black Women to Solo Travel (Safe & Real Experiences)
Debs MBV x
