5 Travel Insurance Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

Caribbean News…
13 June 2025 9:47pm
insurance

As the summer travel season kicks off and trip costs continue to rise, more travelers are turning to travel insurance for peace of mind. However, even seasoned jet-setters can make critical mistakes when choosing a policy. Squaremouth, the leading travel insurance comparison platform in the U.S., highlights five common pitfalls travelers should steer clear of this summer.

Mistake #1: Buying Coverage Too Late
One of the most common errors is waiting too long to purchase insurance. Travel insurance is meant to protect against unforeseen events, so once something goes wrong, it’s too late to get covered. Delaying can also disqualify you from time-sensitive benefits, such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and pre-existing condition coverage. Squaremouth recommends buying a comprehensive plan within 10 days of booking to maximize protection.

Mistake #2: Not Being Prepared for Delays or Disruptions
With flight delays and industry disruptions at record highs, many travelers find themselves stranded without the right coverage. Events like staffing shortages, tech failures, and air traffic control issues have increased demand for delay-related protection by 55%. Choose a policy with Travel Delay coverage that activates after 3 hours, and covers common carriers for greater flexibility.

Mistake #3: Paying More for “Better” Coverage
Higher premiums don’t always mean better protection. In fact, lower-cost policies can offer equal or better coverage depending on the insurer’s pricing model. Instead of overpaying, Squaremouth suggests choosing the most affordable policy that meets your unique needs.

Mistake #4: Buying Insurance from Airlines or Cruise Lines
Add-on insurance sold by airlines and cruise companies may seem convenient, but these plans usually offer limited protection and less flexibility than standalone policies. Use a comparison engine like Squaremouth’s to weigh your options by coverage, price, and provider ratings before committing.

Mistake #5: Relying Only on Your Credit Card’s Coverage
While many credit cards offer some travel insurance benefits, such as Trip Cancellation and Baggage Delay, they often lack essential features like medical coverage. Travelers relying solely on their card’s perks may find themselves underinsured in an emergency.

By avoiding these common mistakes, travelers can ensure they’re better protected and more confident as they take off this summer.

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