Travel insurance basics: what a policy usually covers

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Travel insurance policies vary widely, so the only policy that counts is the one whose wording you have read. These are the main parts most travellers should look for.

Common cover types

• Emergency medical expenses: treatment abroad, often the most important part, especially in countries with high healthcare costs.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation: transport to a suitable hospital or home. This is critical for remote trips, and expedition cruises to Antarctica often require it.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: reimbursement for prepaid costs if you have to cancel or cut short for a covered reason.
• Baggage and delay: lost or delayed bags, and missed connections.
• Personal liability.

Exclusions people miss

• Activities: trekking above a certain altitude, diving below certain depths, scooter or motorbike riding, and winter sports may need an add-on or be excluded altogether.
• Licences: riding a scooter without a valid licence for that vehicle category is commonly excluded.
• Pre-existing conditions: these usually need to be declared.
• Alcohol-related incidents: these are often excluded.
• Known events: events already happening when you bought the policy, such as a named storm or a strike, are usually not covered.

Single-trip vs annual

A single-trip policy covers one journey. An annual multi-trip policy covers several trips within a year, usually with a maximum length per trip. If you travel several times a year, compare both, and check the trip-length limits.

Timing your purchase

Cancellation cover usually starts when you buy the policy. Buying soon after booking a big trip means you're protected for longer before departure. Some benefits, such as cover for certain pre-existing conditions, may depend on buying within a set period after your first trip payment.

Making a claim

• Medical emergency: contact the assistance line as soon as you safely can. Many policies require approval before major treatment or evacuation.
• Theft: get a police report within the time limit the policy sets.
• Delays and lost bags: keep written confirmation from the airline, such as a property irregularity report for bags.
• Receipts: keep receipts for everything you claim.

Special trips

• Antarctica and remote expeditions: high evacuation limits are often required by operators. Check the exact amount they ask for.
• High-altitude trekking, such as in Peru: check the altitude limit in the policy.
• Diving: check depth limits and certification requirements.
• Events: check whether cancellation of the event itself is covered. Often it isn't, unless you buy specific cover.

Things a policy doesn't replace

Insurance doesn't replace vaccinations, sensible risk-taking or travel advice from your government. Check official travel advice for your destination. Some policies exclude regions your government advises against travelling to.

Reading the policy efficiently

Go straight to the definitions, the exclusions and the table of benefits and limits. That's where the differences between policies live.

Pre-existing conditions and disclosure

Most policies ask about existing medical conditions. Answer accurately: undisclosed conditions are one of the most common reasons claims are refused. If something isn't clear, ask the insurer in writing before you buy, and keep their reply.

Keep receipts, medical reports and written confirmation of delays or cancellations from the airline or provider. Claims are much easier with paperwork, and many insurers have deadlines for submitting them after you return home.

EHIC and GHIC are not travel insurance

If you're insured in an EU country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK, on the same terms as locals. If you live in the UK, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which has replaced the UK EHIC, gives you medically necessary state healthcare in the EU on the same basis as a resident, as the NHS explains (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/); like the EHIC, it is not a replacement for travel insurance. The European Commission is clear that it is not an alternative to travel insurance. It doesn't cover private healthcare, a return flight home, mountain rescue or lost and stolen property, and services free at home may cost money elsewhere. Carry the card for public care, and buy travel insurance for the risks it doesn't cover.

Checklist

• Check that medical cover and emergency evacuation limits suit your destination.
• Declare existing medical conditions accurately.
• Confirm that your activities are covered, such as diving, trekking or scooters.
• Buy cover soon after booking if you want cancellation protection.
• Save the policy number and the emergency phone line offline.

FAQ

Is my credit card's insurance enough?

Card benefits vary, and often have lower limits or need you to pay for the trip with that card. Compare it against your trip's needs.

Does insurance cover a pandemic or epidemic?

Some policies include specific cover, and many have exclusions. Read the current wording.

Can I buy insurance after departure?

Some insurers allow it, often with waiting periods. Many don't. It's much simpler to buy before you leave.

What's an excess or deductible?

It's the amount you pay toward each claim before the insurer pays the rest.

Compare policies on EKTA (partner). This article is general information, not insurance advice.