Travel Insurance is a Must: Advice from a AAA Travel Manager

Learn from our AAA Travel Manager, Debbie Szafranski, on why you should always get travel insurance for your upcoming vacations to protect against unforeseen disruptions!

AAA-Exclusive TripProtect Plan

Planning a trip is exciting—whether it’s a relaxing cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime European adventure, or a much-needed beach getaway. However, as the AAA Travel Manager for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how unexpected events can turn a dream vacation into a financial headache. That’s why I always recommend travel insurance with our AAA-exclusive TripProtect plan from our trusted travel insurance partner Allianz Global Assistance.

Protect Your Investment

You wouldn’t buy a car without insurance—so why travel without it? Trips can cost thousands of dollars, and unforeseen issues like illness, injury, or family emergencies can force you to cancel or cut your vacation short. Without travel insurance, you risk losing all that money. Travel insurance can reimburse non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, tours, and even cruise bookings.

Medical Coverage Matters

Many travelers do not realize that their health insurance may not cover them outside the U.S. If you get sick or injured abroad, travel insurance can help pay for medical care, hospital stays, or even emergency medical transportation. That kind of support can save you tens of thousands of dollars—and your peace of mind.

Travel With Confidence

Travel insurance also offers help when plans go sideways. Lost luggage, delayed flights, missed port of call, or stolen passports—these things happen. Our AAA-exclusive Trip Protect travel insurance includes 24/7 global assistance to help you rebook flights, recover lost items, or arrange last-minute accommodations.

Real-Life Example

Just this past summer, a couple booked a two-week Mediterranean cruise. A few days before departure, their child came down with the flu. Because they had purchased travel insurance, they were able to cancel the trip, get reimbursed, and rebook later. Without insurance, they would’ve lost thousands of dollars.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance may seem like an optional add-on, but for most trips, it’s a small price to pay for major protection. Whether you’re traveling across the country or around the world, I always tell my clients: hope for the best, but plan for the unexpected. AAA offers trusted travel insurance from our partner Allianz Global Assistance with options to fit your trip and your budget—so you can travel smarter and safer.