Hey there! Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to buy something through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep sharing free content with you. Happy Adventures x
Ibiza has been my home for over a decade (I know, I think I've mentioned it). In that time, I’ve watched thousands upon thousands of people come and go. I’ve also watched a lot of travellers go straight from the beach to the back of an ambulance — and not always because they partied too hard.
Some were heat-fainting tourists. Some were rather severe jellyfish sting victims in shock and agony. One poor man? He went for a swim, and I watched as they dragged him out of the sea unconscious and performed CPR on him for over an hour. Tragically, he died a few days later.
Travel is magic. But it’s also real life.
You don’t stop being human just because you’re on holiday. And the amount of people that arrive on this island and suddenly act like the rules of physics (and common sense) don’t apply just because they’re in Ibiza? Astounding.
Every single year, I cringe as tourists weave in and out of traffic on their rented mopeds wearing little more than a bikini top or vest. Er… if you come off it, you are losing a lot of that skin.
I’ve seen someone attempt to climb from one balcony to another two floors up. I’ve seen more than a few dead bodies by the side of the road. It’s a tragic truth: every single year, there are fatalities on this island involving visitors.
Every. Single. Day. People are coming off mopeds, crashing their cars, getting stung, slipping, fainting, or twisting an ankle walking down cobbled streets in flip-flops (yes, it really happens).
Tourists have heart attacks. They drown. They get lost on walks. They go missing. They get airlifted. It happens more than you think.
Just this past month, a young boy on holiday had to be airlifted to Mallorca after falling from a 3rd floor balcony. A young girl had to be airlifted after being hit by a car at speed.
S**t happens — all the time. Nobody ever thinks it’ll be them. But it’s always someone.
Let me be the grown-up in the room:
If you’re travelling — especially long-term or outside your home country — you really do need travel insurance.
Why It Actually Matters
1. Because the unexpected happens: And when it does, you don’t know how you’ll react. The reassurance of having proper cover means you can focus on getting help — not trying to translate symptoms or figure out how to pay for treatment.
2. Because accidents don’t care who you are: Solo traveller? Digital nomad? Family on a dream trip? Mishaps don’t discriminate — and they rarely give you a warning.
3. Because your regular insurance probably doesn’t cut it: Most standard policies cover trips up to 30 or 45 days. If you’re away longer, you’re probably not covered — even if something happens on day 46.
4. Because medical bills abroad can be astronomical: A hospital stay, even just a few hours, can cost hundreds or thousands. A decent policy will cover emergencies, search & rescue, and even repatriation if you need to go home for serious treatment.
And Just So You Know — In Some Places, Insurance Isn’t Even Optional
You read that correctly...In some countries, you actually need travel/health insurance just to get in the door. Like, literally.
Places like Russia, Cuba, and China require proof of travel insurance before you’re allowed to enter. And if you’re heading into the Schengen Area on a visa (that’s most of mainland Europe), travel insurance is a legal requirement.
Oh — and if you're thinking of applying for a digital nomad visa (go you!), most of them also require valid health insurance as part of your application. That includes countries like Portugal, Croatia, Costa Rica, and more.
Side note on Spain: At the time of writing, Spain has introduced a digital nomad visa, but the finer details are shifting — so if you're planning to apply, check the latest requirements. Insurance is almost certainly one of them.
So even if you’re thinking, “I’ll be careful!” or “It’ll be fine!” — it might not just be your choice. Sometimes, it’s the law.
So Who’s It For?
The grown-ups.The fun ones who still want to hike, swim, dance, cliff-jump (safely please), and chase sunsets — but who also want to come home in one piece. Or at the very least, know someone’s got their back.
That’s where World Nomads comes in:
✅ Great for travellers aged 18–69✅ Perfect for long trips, digital nomads & remote workers✅ Covers 150+ adventure activities✅ 24/7 emergency support✅ Search & rescue✅ Repatriation for major treatment
(We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.) IE. You can buy it WHEREVER YOU PLEASE!!
You can’t plan for everything. But you can plan for “just in case.”
You don’t have to bubble wrap yourself. Just take five minutes, get the cover, and go live that adventure.
That way, if something does go wrong, you’re not stuck in a hospital with no backup — or worse, relying on your mates to start a GoFundMe.
So go on. Book the trip. Jump in the sea. Ride the moped if you must.
Just don’t forget the boring grown-up stuff first.
You’ll thank yourself later.