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What is the Risk of Going for a Tour without Travel Insurance?

Team AckoSept 17, 2025

Going on a thrilling adventure without travel insurance can change a dream vacation into a costly nightmare. Unforeseen situations, such as flight delays, lost luggage, or unexpected medical issues, may leave you scrambling to pay for expenses out of your pocket. That is why it is important to learn the reasons why you should purchase travel insurance before you start packing.

In addition to health insurance, travel insurance policies can safeguard you from situations like unexpected trip extensions or total loss of checked baggage at the airport. By having the proper policy in place, you can travel in peace of mind, understanding that unexpected setbacks will not ruin your vacation.

Interested in learning about all the dangers of forgoing travel insurance? Keep reading to discover them all.

Risk of Going for a Tour without Travel Insurance

Contents

Why is Travel Insurance Important for Travellers?
What are the Risks of Travelling Without Travel Insurance?
- Financial Risks
- Logistical Risks
Things to Keep in Mind While Purchasing Travel Insurance
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Travel Insurance Important for Travellers?

When you are booking a trip, the last thing on your mind should be something going wrong. In such scenarios, travel insurance comes in, serving as a safety net so you do not have to bear the unexpected expenses alone.

So, here is why travel insurance is important:

Covers medical emergencies: If you become ill or are injured overseas, insurance can cover costly hospitalisation or even medical evacuation.
Protects trip investments: Advance booking of air fares, accommodations, or tours can be refunded if your trip is canceled or reduced in duration.
Helps with baggage issues: Frustrating experiences of lost, delayed, or stolen luggage can be compensated for by insurance to reduce the inconvenience.
Provides 24/7 assistance: Most insurers offer 24-hour helplines, wherever you are.
Gives peace of mind: You can sit back and fully enjoy your holiday, safe in the knowledge that you're insured.

What are the Risks of Travelling Without Travel Insurance?

You cannot skip travel insurance for several reasons discussed in this section.

Financial Risks

Here are the financial risks you might face if you start your international vacation with a proper travel insurance plan:

1. Out-of-Pocket Charges During a Medical Emergency

Suppose while trekking across the Japanese Alps, you suddenly injure your leg. Without travel insurance, treatment for this broken leg in Japan could cost you approximately ¥400,000 (₹2,37,000), which you have to bear solely.

Purchasing travel insurance for Japan, suppose from ACKO for ₹639 for a 7-day trip, will provide medical coverage up to $250,000 (₹2,18,46,883) as per policy terms.

2. Losing a Passport or an ID in a Foreign Land

Losing your ID or passport while exploring abroad is more common than you think. It might get misplaced, stolen, or accidentally left behind, turning an exciting trip into a stressful one.

During such an emergency, besides the extra charges for losing and reissuing the ID, contacting an embassy and getting assistance from officials can be overwhelming. If you have travel insurance, you will not only get assistance from the insurer but also receive compensation up to a certain amount.

3. Losing out on Non-refundable Trip Costs

You have planned for an international trip to Australia for months, saved up for it, and bought tickets. Finally, just a few days before the journey, your travel partner meets with an accident, leading to the cancellation of the trip. This could lead to frustration and extra expenses, mainly in the case of pre-booked expenses.

However, travel insurance from a reliable insurer like ACKO can cover trip cancellation charges up to $500 (₹43,800), so you will not have to bear all of it on your own.

4. Unexpected Expenses Because of Trip Delays

Several flights get delayed for bad weather, geopolitical tensions or many other reasons. In such situations, arranging another flight immediately incurs high costs. Without travel insurance, you will have to bear these charges on yourself.

Logistical Risks

Some logistical risks you may face without a valid travel insurance plan during your international trip are:

1. Facing Difficulties in Getting Emergency Assistance

Travel insurance not only covers medical and trip-related expenses but also provides 24/7 emergency assistance. On an international trip, finding a nearby hospital or medical facility during an accident can be overwhelming.

With travel insurance, policyholders can rely on their insurer for immediate support and guidance. Without it, travellers may feel unprotected and stressed, navigating emergencies alone in an unfamiliar environment, turning what should be an enjoyable journey into a challenging ordeal.

2. Complications During Medical Evacuation

If you need emergency evacuation back to India, due to an accident, medical emergency, or death, it can cost lakhs. Without travel insurance, these charges could be sky-high. Therefore, one significant reason to buy travel insurance is to avoid medical evacuation complications.

3. Liability Costs

In case of an accident, if you are held responsible for property damage or injury to a third party, you might be forced to cover compensation costs or legal complications. A comprehensive travel insurance plan will bear the charges on your behalf.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Online?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase travel insurance seamlessly:

Step 1: Visit the official website or download the application of your insurer.
Step 2: Fill in details like name, destination, and duration of your trip.
Step 3: Choose the policy coverage after going through the details of their benefits.
Step 4: Consider if you need an Add-on or not.
Step 5: Move on to the payment portal to pay.

Things to Keep in Mind While Purchasing Travel Insurance

These are the factors you need to consider while purchasing travel insurance:

Learn the coverage amount for baggage loss or trip cancellations.
Be aware of what the claim limit for reimbursement is.
Ensure that the policy has coverage throughout the trip duration.
Read the policy documents carefully to know the policy exclusions.
Inform insurers regarding pre-existing diseases, so they can incorporate pre-existing disease cover.

Bottom Line

In simple words, travel insurance works like a comforter on a cold, windy evening. You might not feel its significance until you are facing a crisis. Robust policies like ACKO prepare you for all kinds of unknowns that might strain your overall travel experience. Therefore, whether it is a domestic or an international trip, considering the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance could be a lifesaver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance?

To stay protected from all kinds of unforeseen circumstances while travelling, buying travel insurance is beneficial. Besides compensating for trip cancellations and flight delays, it offers 24/7 assistance to policyholders. That is quite assuring and comforting.

Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Already Have Medical Insurance?

Yes, the purpose of travel insurance is much broader compared to medical insurance. Whereas medical insurance only assists during medical emergencies, travel insurance looks after medical, trip and baggage-related concerns.

Is it compulsory to Purchase Travel Insurance?

In order to enter some countries, such as Ecuador, Jordan, Schengen countries, etc, getting travel insurance is a legal mandate. However, that is not the case for the USA, UK, Singapore, and Bangkok. Still, if you buy travel insurance, you will have coverage for many uncertainties.

What are the Potential Consequences of not Getting Travel Insurance?

First, you might have to bear out-of-pocket charges if any medical emergencies occur. Moreover, travel insurance serves as a familiar friend abroad; you can contact your insurer to locate the embassy or a nearby medical facility.

Which Coverage to Look for in Travel Insurance?

It is crucial to ensure that your travel insurance covers all kinds of medical emergencies, including OPD visits. In addition, check if it provides COVID-19 cover and has repatriation, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss cover.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the Internet and is subject to change. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons and the terms and conditions of the policy.