How to Choose Travel Insurance (And Read the Fine Print)

Travel insurance is the easiest money to resent and the easiest to be grateful for — until you need it. This guide covers what policies actually do, the coverage numbers that matter, and the exclusions that quietly invalidate claims.

The coverage that matters most

1. Emergency medical treatment abroad — the reason insurance exists; a hospital stay without it can cost five to six figures
2. Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation — the single most expensive risk to insure
3. Trip cancellation and interruption — covers prepaid flights, hotels and tours when plans break
4. Lost, delayed or stolen baggage and personal belongings
5. 24/7 assistance line — the human contact you don't value until the crisis

Numbers to look for

The exclusions that catch people out

• Pre-existing conditions: usually excluded unless you declare them at signup
• Adventure sports: skiing, scuba and hiking over altitude are often add-on riders
• 'Reckless' behaviour as defined by the policy — read the small print on motorbikes
• Travel to high-risk regions earns exclusions or cancellation — check your destination
• Alcohol-and-injury claims get scrutinised; no policy covers bars' mishaps well

Buy before you leave

Insurers are refundable-cooling-off-friendly before departure, but once you've left your home country, almost nothing about the policy can be changed. Buy the policy the same day you book the flights — then an injury before the trip is covered by the cancellation part too.

Compare pay-as-you-go insurance

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