Tips

Travel insurance basics

A policy is cheap compared with a hospital bill abroad. What it must cover, and the exclusions that catch people.

What a basic policy should include

• Medical expenses and repatriation: the core. Look for at least USD or EUR 1 million for the US, Canada and Japan; EUR 100,000 to 250,000 is typical elsewhere.
• Cancellation and curtailment: refunds the non-refundable parts of a trip if you cannot go or must come home early for a covered reason.
• Baggage and personal items: usually with low per-item limits, so phones and laptops may need separate cover.
• Delay and missed connection: a fixed payment after a set number of hours.

Exclusions to read first

• Pre-existing medical conditions unless declared and accepted.
• Alcohol-related incidents.
• Adventure activities: skiing, diving, motorbikes and trekking above a set altitude often need an add-on.
• Travel against official government advice.
• Pandemics, strikes and airline insolvency, unless listed.

Credit-card cover

Premium cards often include insurance, but only when the trip is paid with the card, and medical limits can be low. Check the policy document, not the marketing page.

Annual vs single trip

Three or more trips a year usually make an annual multi-trip policy cheaper. Check the maximum length per trip, often 30 or 45 days.

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026. Schedules and fees change; confirm with the operator before you book.