Travel insurance: how it works and what to check before you go

In short: travel insurance mainly covers medical costs and repatriation abroad, and sometimes cancellation or luggage. Before buying a policy, check what you already have (credit card, health insurance, EHIC), whether your destination requires it, then read the terms carefully: limits, excess and exclusions.

This article provides general information. This site is not an insurance intermediary and gives no personalised advice: to choose a policy, read its terms and conditions and, if needed, ask the insurer directly.

What is travel insurance for?

Abroad, a health problem can be very expensive, especially in countries where healthcare costs are high (the United States, for example). Travel insurance usually bundles several types of cover, either à la carte or as a package:

• Medical costs abroad: consultations, hospital stays, medicines, up to a limit.
• Assistance and repatriation: organising and paying for your return home in case of serious illness or accident, plus a phone helpline.
• Cancellation: a full or partial refund of your trip if you have to cancel for a reason covered by the policy.
• Luggage: loss, theft or damage, often with per-item limits.
• Personal liability abroad, trip interruption, transport delays, depending on the policy.

Every policy is different: cover, limits and exclusions vary from one insurer to another.

What you may already have

Before buying insurance, take stock of what already covers you.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Free for people insured in an EU country (the UK has its own GHIC), it gives you access to state healthcare in EU countries, the EEA and Switzerland on the same terms as residents. It does not cover repatriation, private healthcare or countries outside Europe.

Your credit card

Some cards include travel insurance and assistance, often provided you paid for the trip with the card. Limits, who is covered and trip length vary widely: ask your bank for the insurance terms and read them before you go.

Your health insurance and other policies

Some health insurance plans reimburse part of the cost of care abroad, and some home insurance policies include assistance or personal liability abroad. A quick call or a look at your policies saves you paying twice for the same cover. If you are travelling from the United States, check whether your health plan covers you abroad at all: many do not.

When is insurance required?

• Schengen visa: travellers who need a visa for the Schengen area must show insurance covering medical costs and repatriation.
• Some countries require insurance on entry, or may ask for it. Rules change: check your destination’s page on your government’s official travel advice website.
• Some activities (skiing, diving, high-altitude trekking) or some tour operators require appropriate cover.

Key points to check in a policy

Read the terms and conditions with these questions in mind:

1. Limits: what is the maximum amount covered for medical costs, repatriation, luggage?
2. Excess: how much do you still pay if you make a claim?
3. Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, high-risk sports, alcohol, countries excluded or advised against by the authorities.
4. Length and area: does the policy cover the whole trip and every country you visit?
5. Upfront payment: does the insurer pay the hospital directly, or do you pay and claim it back?
6. Assistance: is there a 24/7 number, in a language you speak?
7. Cancellation: which reasons are covered, and how late can you take out the policy?
8. Who is covered: just you, your partner, your children?

If something goes wrong during your trip

• Call the assistance line before incurring major costs, except in a life-threatening emergency: many policies require it before they will pay.
• Keep every document: invoices, prescriptions, medical reports, a police or airline report for theft or loss.
• Report the claim within the deadline set by the policy.
• For emergencies, keep the local emergency number and your embassy or consulate’s number to hand.

Before you go: a short checklist

• Register with your government’s travel registration service if it has one (for example, the US State Department’s STEP programme), to receive safety updates if needed.
• Bring your EHIC or GHIC for a trip within Europe.
• Note your insurer’s or bank card’s assistance number, and keep a copy of your policy on your phone.
• Pack a first-aid kit and your prescriptions.

Going further

For the rest of your preparations, see our travel packing checklist. And if your flight is delayed or cancelled, our country guides explain your passenger rights.