What travel insurance usually covers
- Emergency medical care: doctors, hospital, emergency surgery and medicines. By far the most important part.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: getting you to a suitable hospital or home if needed, one of the most expensive costs if you're not insured.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: getting back what you paid if you cancel for a covered reason, like illness or a death in the family.
- Lost or delayed bags: compensation for belongings and for essentials you buy until the bag arrives.
- Flight delays: money for meals or a hotel if a flight is delayed for many hours.
- Personal liability: if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property.
What it usually doesn't cover
- Pre-existing conditions: unless you declare them and the insurer accepts them.
- Risky sports: deep diving or skydiving, unless you add them. Ask about diving and motorbikes specifically.
- Unattended belongings: a phone left on the beach, or a bag in an unlocked car.
- Cancelling because you changed your mind: only the reasons listed in the policy are covered.
When is insurance mandatory?
Some countries and visas require travel insurance. The best known is the Schengen visa for Europe, which requires medical cover of at least €30,000, including emergency treatment and repatriation, valid in every Schengen country for your whole stay. Other countries have added similar rules, so check the entry requirements of your destination before you apply for the visa.
How to choose a policy
- Medical cover limit: the higher the better, especially where healthcare is expensive.
- Excess (deductible): what you pay before the insurer pays. Lower is better.
- 24/7 assistance line: a number that answers any time and directs you to the right hospital.
- Covered activities: if you'll dive or ride a motorbike, make sure they're covered.
- Card insurance: some bank cards include travel insurance if you pay for the trip with them. Read the terms carefully: the limits are sometimes lower.
When to buy
Buy it right after you book the trip, not the day before you fly. Cancellation cover starts on the day you buy, so if you fall ill a week before the trip without insurance, there's no refund. Save the policy and emergency numbers on your phone, and send them to someone in your family.
Our advice: don't choose insurance on price alone. The difference between a cheap policy and a good one is usually small, but it matters a great deal the day you need a hospital.