Do you purchase travel insurance? This policy is costing me $450 and covers gear, flight delays/re-routes, loss of trip, travel, etc.

I have in the past. One of the main reasons being my mom at the end of her life. But they're iffy on pre-existing situations. On a big international trip, I think it's worth it. I've never had to file a claim though.

Not to worry you, but the baggage abuse and theft at Jo'burg is in a class all it's own. Remember TIA. All part of the experience.

IT is better to have it and not need it ,than to not have it and need it. I always got it for international trips. Forrest

Read what the exclusions are, carefully. Most of the one's I've seen aren't very comprehensive in what they cover. I've personally never bought travel insurance.

If the trip itself is expensive or you are taking gear that’s expensive absolutely.

Also don’t forget about medical insurance. It all depends on where I am headed, the activities to be done on the trip and “said” risk involved with those activities. But the number one question is, “if I need medical care, is where I am going able to provide the level of care I may need?” If there is any hesitation in me answering that question.... I get the travel policy + medical policy without hesitation. The cost for each could be a game changer if needed & is a drop in the bucket for what you likely spent to go on the trip and even a smaller drop in the bucket if your life depends on quality medical care. Just my .02 worth.

I ended up buying it.

$452 covers me and my wife’s travel & trip expenses, sporting gear, luggage, medical & evac services.

Definitely a good value, if you need it for any reason. Certainly provides peace of mind knowing its there. My son travels for his work as video/photographer and has separate comprehensive policies for his equipment (some lenses alone are $10K each). For annual medical they use Global Rescue medical AND security evacuation services. In Nepal right now for a lifetime experience!!