Travel insurance for trips abroad: what it covers and how to choose

Medical care abroad can cost thousands, and without insurance you pay for it out of your own pocket. Here is what a travel insurance policy covers, how to choose the amount and what to look at in the terms.

What travel insurance covers

The main block is medical expenses:

• urgent medical help and an ambulance;
• hospitalization and operations;
• medicines prescribed by a doctor;
• dental care for acute pain;
• medical evacuation and repatriation.

Additionally, a policy can include:

1. Trip cancellation or interruption: compensation for expenses in case of illness, a refused visa and so on.
2. Lost and delayed baggage: checked baggage rules.
3. Flight delay cover.
4. Civil liability to third parties.
5. Accidents and active holidays (sports, diving, skiing).

What is usually not covered

• Chronic diseases and their flare-ups (unless included separately).
• Treatment while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
• Extreme sports without a special option.
• Planned treatment and cosmetic procedures.
• Expenses caused by circumstances expressly excluded in the policy terms.

Read the exclusions: disputes most often arise because of them.

What amount of cover to choose

The guides depend on the destination:

• The Schengen area: at least 30,000 euros (a requirement for obtaining a visa).
• Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Thailand: it is sensible to take from 30-50 thousand euros or dollars.
• The USA, Canada, Japan, Australia: from 100 thousand, as medicine is very expensive.

The more active the holiday, the higher the amount you need and the wider the options. For children it is worth choosing a policy with pediatric care: flying with a child: rules.

How to choose a policy

1. Compare the cover and the exclusions, not only the price.
2. Make sure there is 24-hour support in your language and direct payment to clinics.
3. Check the territory and the period of insurance (from the date of entry to the date of exit).
4. Choose the deductible and options to match your trip.
5. Save the policy number and the assistance phone in your phone and on paper.
6. Arrange it before the trip and check the country's requirements: for example, insurance is mandatory for entering some countries.

What to do if something happens

1. Call the 24-hour assistance service, whose number is in the policy, before going to a clinic (except in emergencies).
2. Follow the instructions: the service will direct you to a clinic or arrange payment.
3. Keep all documents: the diagnosis, receipts, prescriptions and discharge papers.
4. After you return, submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid yourself.

Insurance and your ticket

Trip cancellation insurance helps if plans may change: it complements the ticket refund. You can look for tickets in the HotTrip flight search and on Aviasales. To see how it fits with the flight terms, read airline sales: how to catch them.

Frequently asked questions

Is insurance mandatory for traveling abroad?

For most countries not, but for some (the Schengen area, Cuba and others) it is mandatory. In any case it greatly reduces financial risk.

Which insurance is best?

The one that suits your trip: the country, the length, active holidays and children. Compare the cover, the exclusions and the quality of support, not only the price.

Does insurance cover coronavirus and chronic diseases?

It depends on the policy: many exclude chronic diseases, and terms for infections differ. Check this when you buy.

Can I buy insurance on the day of departure?

You can, but it is better in advance: with most companies the policy does not start at once but after payment and on the stated date.

Cover: photo by SHVETS production on Pexels