Planning a solo trip is exciting, but there is always going to be some admin you need to take care of – and travel insurance is right up there with your visas and passport.

If you’ve never had to buy travel insurance before, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, so let’s simplify the process for you.

How to Pick Solo Travel Insurance

When visiting the Caribbean, jetting off to France, or adventuring into Iceland, travel insurance protects you from unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Basically, it gives you more peace of mind as you travel the world.

There are a lot of options to choose from though, so here are some guidelines to help you pick travel insurance that’s right for you.

1. Prioritize Medical Coverage

Medical emergencies can be one of the biggest unexpected expenses you might encounter on your solo trip, so make this coverage a priority.

Look for a policy with comprehensive medical coverage that includes emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and medical evacuation. This is especially important if you're traveling to a country with expensive healthcare, such as the United States, Germany, or Sweden.

There are many different companies that can help you out. You have Allianz, World Nomads, and Safetywing that can be reliable sources for good medical coverage. If you are traveling in the states, look at some of the policy fine print because the USA can be expensive with their medical coverage.

2. Check for Trip Cancellation & Interruption Coverage

You could have your bags all packed but need to cancel or delay your trip, so rather plan for this possibility.

If your trip gets cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, extreme weather, or other emergencies, your insurance should cover those non-refundable expenses.

One of the best places for this insurance can be with your credit card. Credit cards often have some trip interruption insurance if you have a good reliable travel credit card. So if you want to save a bit, check out what your credit card offers.

3. Keep Your Activities in Mind

If your next solo trip is going to include a few adventure activities, it may be a good idea to include this type of coverage in your policy. Hiking, scuba diving and skiing are sure to offer an adrenaline rush, but these activities do carry some risks, so it’s best to be prepared.

Those looking at going to the adventure capital of the world, I mean Queenstown, New Zealand where bungee jumping and skydiving came from. Just be wary and make sure that your insurance covers you. You do not want an accident to happen and not be covered.

4. Cover Your Bags and Belongings

As a solo traveler, you rely on all your gear and baggage, so finding out something has been stolen or your bags have been delayed in transit can be frustrating. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to choose a travel insurance policy that compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.

That feeling of when you are in a foreign country and someone snags your bag can be so frustrating. It could even be worse if some how you are left at a spot without your bag.

I was on a bus in Guatemala, and a couple did not hear the correct time in Spanish, which was 15 minutes break, and the bus needed to leave. So we left those passengers, but still had their bags. Lesson to learn is to have coverage on lost bags and items. You never know what could happen.

5. Single Trips vs. Annual Policies

Before making a final decision on a policy, consider your travel habits. If you travel more often than most, an annual multi-trip policy could save you money versus buying insurance for each trip separately.

It also helps to keep an eye out for policies with solo travel perks. Some insurers offer coverage tailored for solo travelers, like emergency accommodation if you're hospitalized or need to extend your stay unexpectedly.

Even month long policies can help save cost that one week ones. So be mindful of how long you plan to travel for.

6. Read the Fine Print

Once you find a travel insurance policy you’re interested in, don’t sign on the dotted line just yet. Make a point of understanding exclusions, claim processes, and any conditions before purchasing. For example, some insurers have terms and conditions surrounding pre-existing medical conditions.

Some insurance companies also do not cover those that are over a certain age. It is always best to read the fine print.

Safe Travels!

Travel insurance may be an extra expense you need to account for while planning your solo trip, but it’s well worth it. You just never know when things could go wrong, and it’s better to have the security of an insurance policy than to be left with non-refundable expenses, stolen baggage, or costly medical emergencies.