Essential plan with traveling to Aruba

Yes I was in roaming and I had been there before using my phone without any issue especially in Aruba about 1 year ago.  The data was slow but at least it didn't tell me no internet connection was available.  I guess my question is did Tmobile stop allowing essential plans to gain any data access outside the US?  I see where you can buy int'l passes so I assume they stopped giving it to us with our plan and now making us pay for it.  I did buy the $5 pass to confirm and yes I was then able to access the internet for up to 512 mb.  Wasn't sure what other's had experienced. I will be looking to other carriers to see what that offer too.