Last year, I planned a big family trip to Europe — my parents flying in from India to join me and my wife for two weeks across Italy and France. As first-time international travelers in their late 60s, they were excited but also nervous about health issues, flight delays, or anything unexpected. I’d heard horror stories about medical bills abroad, so I knew travel insurance wasn’t optional — it was essential. After researching dozens of providers, I landed on Trawick International, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made for that trip.
Why I Chose Trawick International
I needed coverage that worked well for older visitors to the US and Europe, with solid medical limits and flexibility for pre-existing conditions (my dad has controlled diabetes). Trawick kept coming up in forums and reviews for their visitor-focused plans and the Safe Travels series, which seemed perfect for families like ours.
What really sold me was how customizable their plans are. Unlike some rigid policies I looked at, Trawick lets you tailor coverage for things like adventure activities (we had a light hiking day planned in the Alps) and even add “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) benefits. That extra peace of mind mattered because travel plans with aging parents can change fast.
I ended up getting the Safe Travels Voyager plan for myself and my wife, and a separate visitor medical plan for my parents. Getting quotes was straightforward on their site — I just entered trip details, ages, and destinations, and compared options in minutes. (If you’re shopping around, you can get an instant quote here: Trawick International — this is my affiliate link, but I only recommend what I’ve actually used.)
What Happened on the Trip (The Real Test)
About a week into the trip, disaster struck in Rome. My mom started feeling severe stomach pain late one evening. We rushed to a local clinic, and after tests, they diagnosed a gallbladder issue that needed immediate attention. The bill came to over €4,500 for the ER visit, scans, and medication.
Here’s where Trawick shone. I opened their mobile app (super user-friendly, by the way), found the 24/7 emergency assistance number, and called them right from the hospital waiting area. Within minutes, I was speaking to a calm, helpful representative who confirmed coverage, coordinated directly with the clinic for direct billing on part of the expenses, and guided me on what receipts to keep.
The claim process afterward was surprisingly smooth. I uploaded everything through the app — photos of bills, doctor notes, and prescriptions — and got reimbursed for the out-of-pocket costs within three weeks of returning home. No endless back-and-forth, no surprise denials. They even covered the acute onset of a pre-existing condition (with the limits I’d chosen), which many cheaper plans exclude entirely.
We also had a minor flight delay on the way home that qualified for trip interruption coverage, and that small reimbursement covered our unexpected hotel night. Nothing dramatic, but it added up to real savings.
Standout Features I Appreciated
- High Medical Coverage Limits: Up to $1 million in emergency medical and evacuation on some plans — way more generous than many competitors.
- Adventure Sports Add-Ons: We didn’t go extreme, but knowing hiking and similar activities were covered let us relax.
- 24/7 Assistance: That late-night call in Rome made all the difference. Real humans, no endless bots.
- Mobile App: Managing policies, filing claims, and accessing digital ID cards on the go felt modern and hassle-free.
- Family and Group Options: Easy to cover everyone under one policy or separate ones as needed.
Any Downsides?
To be honest, premiums aren’t the absolute cheapest — you can find bare-bones policies for less. But after my experience, I’d rather pay a bit more for reliable payout and support than save $50 and stress during a claim. Also, reading the fine print on pre-existing condition look-back periods is crucial; Trawick is upfront, but it’s still insurance — exclusions exist.
Final Thoughts: Would I Use Trawick Again?
Absolutely, yes. This wasn’t just a policy sitting in my inbox — it actively protected my family when we needed it most. The combination of flexible plans, strong medical coverage, and genuinely helpful service turned what could have been a vacation-ruining emergency into a manageable hiccup.
If you’re planning international travel — especially with parents, kids, or any health concerns — I’d strongly recommend checking out Trawick International. Whether it’s a short vacation, long-term expat stay, or adventurous trip, they have plans that fit. Head over to their site for a free quote and see the options yourself: Trawick International (affiliate link — full disclosure, I earn a small commission if you purchase, but my recommendation is based entirely on my real experience).
Travel safe, everyone. Having the right insurance really does make all the difference.
