Travel Insurance Basics: What Cover You Actually Need
Travel insurance is the one purchase you hope never to use. Here is what cover actually matters, how to read a policy, and the mistakes that leave travellers unprotected.
What it covers
A typical policy bundles emergency medical care, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability. The mix and the limits vary a lot, so the headline price tells you little on its own.
The cover that matters most
Emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation are the parts you cannot afford to skip — an overseas hospital stay or repatriation can cost more than the whole trip. Make sure the medical limit is high and that evacuation is included.
How to read a policy
Read the exclusions, the per-item and overall limits, and how pre-existing conditions and adventurous activities are treated. If you plan to hike, dive or ski, confirm those are covered rather than assuming.
When to buy
Buy soon after you book, not at the airport — cancellation cover only protects the money you have already committed if the policy is active. Save the documents and the 24/7 emergency number offline.
Cover to check for
- Emergency medical and hospital cover
- Medical evacuation / repatriation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Baggage and travel-delay cover
- Your activities are covered
- Pre-existing conditions declared
- 24/7 emergency assistance line
- Policy documents saved offline
Common mistakes
FAQ
Do I really need travel insurance?
For international trips it is strongly recommended — a single medical emergency abroad can cost far more than years of premiums.
Doesn’t my credit card cover travel?
Some cards include limited cover, but it is often capped and conditional. Read exactly what is included before relying on it.
